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The Art of Trapping 




THE FOUNDER AND PRESiDENT OF THE LARGEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD DEALING EXCLUS.VELY IN 

AMERICAN RAW FURS 



THE 



ART OF TRAPPING 



A complete description of the North American 
Fur Bearers, their Habits, Range; How to Make 
a Success of Trapping and other Information of 
Great Value to the Trapper and Fur Collector. 



PUBLISHED BY 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc. 

CHICAGO, U.S.A. 



S \\Z f 3 

.55 



Copyrighted 1917 

by 
A. B. SHUBERT, Inc. 



©CU4? 9065 



OCT 27 1917 

n^ / 



TO THE 



"SATISFIED SHUBERT 
SHIPPERS" 



ALL OVER 



NORTH AMERICA 



INTELLIGENT, CONTENTED 
PROGRESSIVE & SUCCESSFUL 

tEtjts Volume * s Jfehtcaieh 



PREFACE 

In preparing this little volume, the aim has been to 
produce a work that will appeal to the beginner as well as 
the experienced trapper and collector of Fur-bearers, and 
to bring to the attention of every man and boy the wonder- 
ful opportunities for pleasure and profit in trapping, in- 
cluding such information relative to our North American 
Fur-bearers, as would be desired by either the amateur or 
the experienced trapper and Fur collector. 

It tells the range of the different Fur-bearers, their 
habits, haunts, modes of living, food, how to trap them, 
how to skin and handle the pelts, in fact, it is a book that 
will guide and help the experienced trapper and teach the 
beginner the art of successfully trapping the North American 
Fur-bearers. 

Conditions vary considerably in different sections and 
the trapper must use his own best judgment, but whether 
the reader is a beginner or an experienced trapper, if he 
will read this book carefully, he will get information that 
will be of great help to him. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Art of Trapping ------------ I 5 

Badger -------------- 111 

Beaver ----------- ' ~ ~ ~^X 

Black Bear ------------- 91 

Black Muskrat ------------ 35 

Blue Fox -------------- 82 

Brown Bear ------------- 92 

Civet Cat ------------- 41 

Coyote ---------------63 

Cross Fox ------------ - 74 

Fisher --------------- 1° 5 

Fur Industry ------------ 12 

Fur Shippers Stamp of Approval -------53 

Ginseng -------------- 117 

Golden Seal ------------- 118 

Grey Fox- ------------- 79 

Grizzly Bear ------------- 92 

Honesty That You Can Bank on- ----- - 57 

House Cat -------------- 99 

Important Problem ----------- 23 

Kadiak Bear -------------93 

Kitt Fox -------------- 79 

Lynx ---------------85 

Lynx Cat -------------- 97 

Man and the Institution ---------27 

Marten -------------- 103 

Mink --------------- 43 

Mistakes Made By Fur Shippers ------- 115 

Mountain Lion ------------ 113 

Muskrat -------------- 33 

Opossum- --------------51 

Otter --------------- 87 

Polar Bear -------------95 

Raccoon -------------- 47 

Red Fox -------------- 71 

Ringtail Cat- ------------ 101 

Sea Otter -------------- 89 

Shipping Tags ------------ 119 

Shubert Guarantee -----------30 

Shubert Service ------------ 61 

Shubert Shipper ------------ 2,5 

Silver Fox ------------- 77 

Skinning and Handling Fur Bearers ------ 20 

Skunk --------------- 37 

Testimonials ------------- 122 

Timber or Grey Wolf ---------- 67 

Tips on Gun Cleaning ----_-____ 119 

Traps, Trappers' Supplies, Etc. ------- 21 

Trapping Fur Bearers Profitable, Etc. ----- 13 

White Fox ------------- gx 

White Weasel -------------59 

Wild Cat- ------------- 99 

Wolverine -------------- 107 

Wonderful Institution ---------- 49 

10 



The Art of Trapping 



THE FUR INDUSTRY 

The Fur Industry is one of the oldest industries known to man, 
dating back even before the time of Christ. Furs have been instru- 
mental in the growth and advance of the world since prehistoric 
times. The Eskimos and other tribes and nations of the North, as 
well as the Red Man or American Indian, used Furs as a covering 
for the body or the tent, to ward off the cold and keep out the 
piercing wind and driving storm. 

It is wonderful the part that Furs have played in the history of 
man. They have caused wars and pillages, led to the exploration of 
new lands and changed the maps of nations; but more wonderful 
still are the varied fluctuations in the market. It is the greatest 
speculative game in the world. When the Raw Fur market is at 
its highest pitch, Wall Street fades away to nothing alongside of it. 

Furs have been the prized gifts of emperors and kings ; they have 
been the price of redemption of royal prisoners taken in war; and even 
at the present day they compete with precious gems and jewelry 
as articles of dress and adornment for the rich and fashionable. In 
Europe and Asia the use of Furs was limited, for hundreds of years, 
to persons of royalty or of great wealth. However, conditions 
changed with the discoveries of new lands, and the opening of 
America offered a seemingly unlimited supply of Furs. Trappers 
and traders flocked to this country in great numbers. Many fortunes 
were made from Fur hunting and trapping expeditions, and the Fur 
trade quickly became one of the leading natural resources of North 
America. 

No industry — agricultural, mineral or otherwise— has been the 
origin of as much wealth to North America as the Fur Industry. 
Before a field was cultivated, a mine opened, or a railroad constructed, 
Fur-bearing animals of North America were the only source of 
revenue. This was one of the main reasons for the rapid colonization 
of North America, especially the West and Alaska. It was the 
trappers' trail that formed the path of the first highway, and the 
trappers' Fur catch formed the first cargo that was ever freighted 
<>ii any of the inland waters of North America. It was also the 
I nippers' eateh that brought the first foreign wealth to North 
America, and ever since this country has been practically supplying 
the world wit li Furs. 

No other natural resource of North America has been productive 
for so long a lime or has yielded such an aggregate wealth as the 

12 



Fur-bearing animals, and still the Fur Industry is not dying out — in 
spite of the fact that millions of Fur-bearing animals are killed off 
every year. The game is far from being extinct, the fight is getting 
keener, and every season promises to be more active than the one 
preceding. 

In the early days of the Fur Industry in North America, certain 
companies monopolized the catch in certain sections. However, 
these monopolies have dissolved or gone out of business long ago, 
and at the present date the industry is not controlled by any one 
individual or company. 

Furs are an absolute necessity, as they form the protective 
clothing of those whose occupation brings them in contact with the 
elements of winter. At the same time, Furs are very fashionable. 
On account of their abundance and the cheapness of some of the 
commoner articles, the use of Furs has become general and they have 
recently come within the reach of persons of moderate means. 
However, the fancy and rarer sorts, which are more or less a luxury, 
command extremely high prices and can only be afforded by the 
wealthy. At the present time Furs are used more extensively among 
the civilized nations of the world than at any former period. 

TRAPPING FUR BEARERS 
A PROFITABLE OCCUPATION 

Does the average farmer stop to consider the thousands and 
even millions of dollars that are paid out every year by the large 
Fur houses for skins of the "farm yard pest?" 

The Weasel, a menace to the chicken coop, the Skunk, Muskrat, 
Raccoon, Mink and other Fur-bearing animals, classed as "var- 
mints" and considered a nuisance to the crops — all have their in- 
trinsic value, and it would be well for many to forget the nuisance 
end of the story and look at the profit side. 

The money picked up by the wise farmer boy and country man 
during the Fur season, to say nothing of the professional trappers' 
revenue, is something that would make a great many people sit up 
and take notice. The demand of fashion and competition of the 
large circular houses has sent the price of Furs to such an enormous 
height that trapping today is a mighty profitable occupation. 

The golden opportunity of the farmer boy or country man to 
pick up a neat pile of money in his spare time during the winter 
should not be overlooked, and the exercising of a little "COMMON 
HORSE SENSE" in handling and stretching will go a long ways 
toward determining the amount of his earnings. 

13 



THE ART OF TRAPPING 

Trapping is an interesting, historic, enjoyable and profitable 
calling. It is an art. A very good livelihood can be earned during 
the winter months by trapping Fur-bearers. It is not necessary to 
go to a far distant wild region to make a success of trapping. Almost 
any farming section will be found to be a paying trapping ground. 
The country man or boy can do much better in his own home district 
than he would by going into some place with which he is not familiar. 
More Furs are caught in the settled regions and farming districts 
than in the wilds, and more money is paid out for the common Furs, 
such as Skunk, Muskrat, Mink, Raccoon, Opossum, Red Fox, etc., 
which are caught in the settled regions and farming districts, than 
is paid for the animals caught in the wilder regions, such as Lynx, 
Marten, Wolverine, Fisher, White Fox, Blue Fox, etc. While each 
individual skin of the common Fur-bearers does not command as 
high a price as the fancy articles, they are caught in larger numbers 
and therefore are more profitable. The farmer or farm boy who does 
not trap is depriving himself of considerable dollars that he could 
readily earn. 

It must be understood that trapping is not a pastime. The 
writer would not want to deceive the reader by leading him to believe 
that trapping was nothing but one continuous round of pleasure. 
Like any other legimate line of endeavor, trapping requires hard 
work and close application to make a real success of it. However, 
a great amount of pleasure and sport can be derived from trapping, 
and the study of nature, which is necessary, is very fascinating. 

The trapper must be a keen observer. He must learn how the 
wild animals live, what they eat, where they are found, where they 
sleep, how to set the trap, whether to use a "bait set" or a "blind 
set," how to handle Furs after they are caught; he must not become 
discouraged at reverses, and last, but not least, he must know that 
which is of vital importance to make trapping a real success, how and 
where to market his Furs so that the best prices will be realized. 
All this knowledge can be learned by a careful study of this little 
volume from cover to cover, but to become a master of the art of 
trapping, such study should be supplemented by personal observa- 
tions. 

In order to find good places to set his traps, it is necessary for 
the trapper to examine the ground and stream banks closely. By 

15 



doing this he will find dens that he might otherwise overlook, and 
there is no better place for a trap than in the entrance of the den. 
It is a good idea to wade the waters of the streams and thus avoid 
leaving tracks on the bank and find many other good places for 
traps that might not be noticed by walking alongside the stream. 

All Fur-bearing animals have a very good sense of smell and are 
made suspicious by anything that is out of the ordinary. The trapper 
should bear this in mind. The less visible signs he leaves along his 
trap line, the better success he will have in catching the animals. If 
the Fur-bearer smells the trap or human odor, he will not come near 
that place. The trap odor can be concealed by boiling the traps in 
water and wood ashes. The trap should be so hidden that there is 
no chance of its being discovered by sight. If possible to avoid it, 
the trapper should leave no foot prints. (Of course, this is not 
possible when there is snow on the ground.) The ground, leaves 
and the surroundings should be left looking as undisturbed and as 
natural as possible. Bark tied to the shoes or scent rubbed on the 
soles will prevent leaving human odor, and the traps must not be 
handled with bare hands, but gloves should be worn. The traps 
should be visited at least every day, and the trapper should try to 
follow the same path at all times as much as possible when going 
over his trap lines. He must not spit around the vicinity of his 
traps or step around too much; in fact, it is best not to go direct to 
the traps, but view them from a distance. When the trap line is 
located on the banks of a stream, it is best to wade in the water 
(wearing a pair of boots) and the sets placed by reaching out upon 
the bank or water's edge. When killing a trapped animal the 
trapper should be careful not to leave any human scent. 

To properly set a trap on land, a shallow excavation should be 
dug, deep enough, however, so that when covered the ground will 
look undisturbed. This hollow should be lined with dry leaves or 
moss and the trap placed therein. Then a piece of paper or a few 
dead leaves should be placed over the trap to prevent the covering 
from rolling under the pan. Cover the trap with fine, dry dirt, or 
some other light, dry material, in accordance with the surroundings. 
When setting, traps should always be placed so that the jaws will be 
lengthwise of the animal's approach, and the animal will step be- 
tween the jaws and not over one. The reason for this is obvious. 
II' the trap is set crosswise, the rising jaw will sometimes throw the 
animal's foot out of the trap. 

I raps should always be secured in some manner so that when 
an animal is caught it will not escape with the trap. The trapper 
should be particular as to how he fastens his traps, and he should 

16 



not neglect to conceal the fastening or drag, or disguise it in such a 
way as to cause no suspicion. The chief object of fastening traps is 
to enable the trap to so hold the animal as to prevent it escaping by 
pulling from the trap, chewing or twisting off a leg, or breaking the 
trap or trap chain. 

The best and most satisfactory method of fastening the trap, is 
to fasten it to a movable clog or drag. A large stone, a bush, or a 
branch make very good drags. The weight of the drag should be 
such as to allow considerable freedom in the movements of the 
captured animal and, at the same time, hinder it from getting any 
great distance away from the place where it was caught. 

The "spring pole" method of fastening is a good one. By this 
method the captured animal is lifted into the air and thus prevented 
from becoming a prey to other animals. It also guards against the 
escape of the animal by chewing or twisting off its own leg. The 
"spring pole" consists of a slender pole inserted in the ground near 
the trap. (The strength of the pole depends upon the size of the 
intended victim.) The pole is bent down and the trap chain secured 
to its end, then a small notched peg is driven into the ground and the 
top of the pole caught in it in such a way that when the animal is 
caught its struggles will release the pole and lift the trap and its 
occupant high in the air. 

Another good method is the "balance pole." This is a long, 
slender pole, heavier at one end, tied to a crotch or to the side of a 
tree, the trap being secured to the small end. It is so balanced that 
the weight of the butt or heavier end will not only lift the trap, but 
the captured animal as well. It is fastened down by hooking it 
lightly under a crotched stake or link of the chain being hooked to 
a headless nail driven in the side of a stake. The efforts of the 
animal to free itself from the trap, release the "balance pole," the 
weight of the heavier end bearing it down, thereby lifting the trap 
and animal off the ground. 

Still another method of fastening the trap is by nailing the trap 
chain to a tree, a stake driven into the ground or some other station- 
ary object. The writer does not advise the use of this method 
except when it is absolutely impossible to use any other, for the reason 
that just as soon as a trap clamps itself to the foot of an animal, the 
animal will by instinct make a dash for liberty. When the trap is 
fastened to a stationary object, there is a great strain on the trap 
and chain, especially when an animal of great strength is caught. 
When it is absolutely necessary to fasten the trap by securing it to 
a stationary object, the trapper should attach either an extension 

17 



chain or a piece of strong wire to the trap chain. This lessens the 
strain on the trap and chain, and increases the holding power. 

When trapping along streams or creeks, it is well, if possible, to 
fasten the traps in such a way as to drown the animal. Fur-bearers 
of aquatic habits, that is, those animals who frequent the waters, 
when caught in a trap almost always plunge into the water. The 
method most commonly used to drown these animals is what is 
known as the "sliding pole." It consists of a pole about ten feet 
long which has been trimmed of its branches, except a few at the 
small end, enough to prevent the ring of the chain from slipping off. 
The pole must be of such a size that will allow the ring of the chain 
to slide freely down the whole length. This pole should be placed 
near where the trap is set, in a slanting position, and the small end 
should reach into deep water, the large end being fastened securely 
to a stake driven into the bank of the stream. The ring of the 
chain should be slipped onto the pole before the pole is fastened to 
the bank. When an animal is caught it plunges at once into the 
deep water. The ring of the chain slides down to the end of the 
pole and the weight of the trap, together with the short chain, 
prevent the animal from rising to the surface of the water or returning 
to the shore. 

A trapper can sometimes get better results by using scent or 
bait, in fact, many of the animals which are trapped are caught by 
means of a bait or scent which is placed in such a manner that in 
attempting to reach it, the animal places its foot in the trap. The 
bait used to lure animals into traps is some article of food of which 
they are particularly fond. However, most of the time an animal 
can secure an ample supply of food to satisfy its hunger and will 
not go very far out of its way to investigate a bait, unless hungry, 
therefore scents are used. A scent is a strong-smelling substance, 
certain kinds of which are particularly attractive to certain animals. 
Bait or scent should never be put on the pan of the trap, but should 
be placed on a stick or above the trap or in an enclosure (a hollow 
log, a hollow between trees, a hole in the rocks or under a stump), 
the bait being set beyond the trap and the enclosure so arranged 
that the animal will have to step in the trap to reach the bait. 

If an animal cannot be induced to approach a bait or scent, the 
trapper can resort to the "blind set." In this case, the trap is set 
without bait or scent, in a trail where the animal travels or at the 
entrance of its den. If such a place cannot be found, a careful study 
of the route of the animal will reveal a place where some natural 
or artificial obstruction will force the animal into a certain spot. A 
trap carefully set on that spot will catch the animal. 

18 



Some Fur houses sell animal baits and scents to trappers, which 
they claim are prepared from costly ingredients obtained from 
different parts of the world, and which are supposed to have wonderful 
alluring powers. Every house claims their bait is the best. They 
tell the trapper that the cost of the bait is "but a mere trifle," only 
a dollar or 75 cents a bottle. Some of these scents have given a fair 
degree of success, while others have proved worthless. It is not at 
all necessary for the trapper to pay out his good dollars to a patent 
bait company or Fur houses who handle bait or scent. The trapper 
can make the bait or scent himself. Anise Oil, Oil of Rhodium, 
Asafetida, Fish Oil, Beaver Castor, or a mixture of all, or some, 
make good scents for certain animals. Anise Oil, Asafetida and Oil 
of Rhodium can be purchased at any drug store, while Beaver 
Castor, "SHUBERT" will gladly sell to the trapper at cost price. 
Fish Oil can easily be made by the trapper. The body of a fish or 
eel is cut into small bits and placed in a glass jar in the sun until a 
fetid or foul-smelling oil forms. This particular scent bait is especial- 
ly alluring to animals of aquatic habits or those animals which 
inhabit the waters. If the trap is set in a path that leads into 
water, the bait should be placed on a sod or stick out in the water 
a few feet from the shore. 

In the following pages will be given just what animals are at- 
tracted by certain scents and the best methods for trapping the 
different Fur-bearers. 



'SHUBERT" says: 

"SUPPLY AND DEMAND REGULATE THE 
VALUES OF AMERCAN RAW FURS. THE 
SUPPLY OF FUR HOUSES IS VERY GREAT. 
THE DEMAND FOR RELIABLE AND CON- 
SCIENTIOUS FUR HOUSES IS GROWING." 



19 



SKINNING AND HANDLING 
FUR-BEARERS 

Many dollars are lost to the trappers of North America by the 
lack of knowledge of handling Furs. By following the instructions 
given below, you will increase the market value of your catch and 
you will obtain more money for your Furs. 

There are two ways of skinning Fur-bearers, viz. : "casing" and 
skinning "open." To skin an animal "cased," cut the skin crosswise, 
just under the tail, large enough to pull the body through. Skin the 
tail and remove the tail bone. 
Draw the skin downward 
from the body, keeping it as 
clean of flesh and fat as possi- 
ble. To make this process 
easier, the animal may be 
suspended from the limb of 
a tree or some other projec- 
tion by tying a strong cord 
around the hind legs after 
they have been skinned. 
Mink, Muskrat, Skunk, Civet 
Cat, Ringtail Cat, Opossum, 
Lynx Cat, Coyote, Otter, 
House Cat, White Weasel, 
Marten, Wild Cat, Fisher, 
Lynx, Wolverine, and the 
entire Fox family should be "cased." Opossum and Muskrat tails, 
also Coyote hoofs are absolutely worthless and should be cut off. 
Remove all fat and flesh from Skunk and Opossum — it makes the 
skin look better and prevents it from becoming hairslip or grease 
burnt while in transit. 

To skin an animal "open," cut the skin down the belly from the 
head to the tail. The skin should be peeled from the body, using 
l he knife whenever necessary. Raccoon, Bear, Badger, Timber 
Wolf, Mountain Lion and Beaver should be skinned "open." Stretch 
and dry the skins in the open air, where there is shade. They 
should never be allowed near the heat of the fire or in smoke or the 
sun, as il burns them and makes them moreliable to spoilin dressing. 

20 




Do not keep your Furs too long on the boards. As soon as they 
are sufficiently dry they should be removed. 

Coyote, Lynx Cat, Ringtail Cat, Marten, Fisher, Wolverine, 
Otter, Lynx, and the entire Fox family, should be shipped Fur out 
and flesh in. 

Do not overstretch your Furs, as it spreads the Fur over a large 
surface and makes it thin and lacking in richness. Do not use salt 
or alum. This injures the skin for dressing and lessens its value. 



TRAPS, TRAPPERS' SUPPLIES 
BAITS AND SCENTS 



"SHUBERT" does not handle traps, trappers' supplies, baits, 
scents, etc. — we are in the RAW FUR BUSINESS and devote our 

time entirely to handling Fur ship- 
ments "better," paying "more 
money" and sending returns 
"quicker." 

Traps and supplies can be pur- 
chased just as cheaply at the local 
hardware store, and you save time 
and transportation charges, and see 
what you are buying. This book 
tells the proper size of trap to use 
for every animal. 

For bait there is nothing better than the natural food of the 
animal, and if a trapper wants to use a scent, he can make as good a 
scent as he can buy anywhere, and for less money, and "SHUBERT" 
gives the formulas in this book. "SHUBERT" has had all these 
scents, for which we give formulas, tried out by trappers in different 
sections of North America and they have been found very satis- 
factory. 




21 



THE IMPORTANT PROBLEM 

THAT EVERY TRAPPER AND FUR SHIPPER 
MUST SOLVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

A trapper may know all about trapping Fur-bearers; he may 
know their habits; the best methods of trapping the various animals; 
how to skin and handle his Furs; how to pack and ship; but if he 
does not know WHERE to ship his Furs, it is better that he quit 
trapping as a means of providing a living. HE IS PLAYING A 
LOSING GAME. It is just as essential for the successful trapper 
to know where to ship his Furs as to know the best methods of 
trapping, etc. To be successful, the trapper must ship his Furs 
to a successful house— a reliable house. He must choose with great 
care and caution the house to whom he is going to entrust his catch 
of Fur-bearers. The trapper can solve this important problem by 
shipping to "SHUBERT," where he is sure of receiving a liberal 
and honest assortment, the highest market prices and speedy returns. 

"SHUBERT" is a house of 

CHARACTER AND STRENGTH 

Since the establishment of the "SHUBERT" organization, in 
1883, we have enjoyed a steady and constant growth, until now we 
have as customers what is considered to be the largest list of indi- 
vidual Fur shippers served by any Raw Fur House in the world. 
During this period we have satisfied thousands and thousands of 
Fur shippers who have had faith in our experience and judgment. 
Some of our shippers, and doubtless many other trappers and Fur 
collectors, do not realize that our success, both in growth and in 
satisfying Fur shippers, is founded on certain definite policies. 

Our fundamental principle has been to always satisfy Fur shippers. 
This business policy has been kept so prominently in view that we 
now have thousands of Fur shippers shipping to us daily with the 
full knowledge that they will receive a "square deal" from "SHU- 
BERT." We fully realize the responsibility placed on us by Fur 
shippers — looking to "SHUBERT" for the highest prices obtainable 
for their Furs. Constantly have we preferred to give the benefit 
of any doubt for the protection of our shippers. 

We invite every trapper and Fur shipper to join this immense 
list of "SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPERS." To learn more 
about how we safeguard our shippers' interests, make "SHUBERT" 
a trial shipment. 

YOU WILL BE CONVINCED and at the same time you will 
have solved THE IMPORTANT PROBLEM. 

23 



"®fye i>Ijub?rt Ripper" 

"Che §&\)\ibzxt Ripper" is a publication issued for the benefit 
of the up-to-the-minute Fur shippers. It quotes authentic prices on 
all articles of North American Raw Furs and contains market in- 
formation that is of inestimable value to any shipper of Fur-bearers. 

"Che i^hubert Shipper" is without a doubt the only Accurate 
and Reliable Market Report and Price List of its kind published in 
the world. The market reports published in "Che g>hubert Shipper" 
are always based on true facts concerning the conditions existing in 
all the markets of the world. It can never be said a serious mis- 
statement of facts is published in "Che H>hubert Shipper" and this 
character of accuracy and reliability has demonstrated that such 
information is absolutely essential to the trapper and collector of 
Furs. 

"Che Hubert l§>f)ipper" is something more than merely "some- 
thing to read." It is the adviser, friend and signpost to the right 
road to reliable information and accurate market quotations, and 
eventually to satisfaction and protection, which means that each 
and every transaction with "SHUBERT" must be a profitable 
one to the shipper. 

"Che ^hufaert Shipper" speaks freely; it is fearless and inde- 
pendent, applauding conscientious and square dealing and reproving 
the unfair treatment of Fur shippers. 

"Che ii>hubert Shipper" has built up an enviable reputation 
among competitors, because they cannot or will not give the shipper 
authentic market information. Readers unconsciously assume that 
the information in "Che g>hubert Shipper" is to be depended upon 
just the same as the prices quoted therein. 

"Che gs>hubert Whippet" has a larger circulation than any other 
publication of its kind in the world. It is mailed to thousands upon 
thousands of trappers and Fur shippers all over the United States 
and Canada. We receive inquiries from all over the world — England, 
France, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, South America— requesting 
us to send "Che g>hubert Shipper" regularly when issued. Hun- 
dreds of letters come into our establishment daily from trappers, 
telling us how invaluable "Che g>hubert Shipper" is to them; in 
fact, one man writes us that he would just as soon be without his 
traps as without "Che g>hubert Shipper." Surely this can be 
regarded in no other light than an overwhelming testimonial to the 
importance and prestige of "Che g>hubert Shipper." 

25 



"t&tyt H>i)ubert Shipper" — while it cannot breathe or see or 
speak or feel as human beings do, nevertheless it occupies a place in 
the home of the Fur shipper which, if not filled regularly at every 
change of the market, would cause the Fur shipper to feel its absence 
keenly. 

It goes into the homes of Fur shippers silently, and humbly, 
but it carries a message of great importance. 

It fills their minds with useful and valuable information — abso- 
lutely necessary to acquire if they are to keep posted on market 
conditions. 

Readers of "GDhe g>hubet:t Snippet" feel that they can depend 
upon it for the information required to market their Furs to the best 
possible advantage. 

Every successful Fur shipper reads "&he filbert Shipper" 
Do you? If not, subscribe for it at once. It's FREE. Your name 
and address on a postal will bring it. 



"SHU BERT" says: 

"THE 'KNOW HOW OF BUILDING UP A 
LIST OF SATISFIED SHIPPERS IS SOME- 
THING THAT MONEY CANNOT BUY. IT 
IS ONLY SECURED BY GIVING EACH AND 
EVERY SHIPPER ON EACH AND EVERY 
SHIPMENT HE MAKES, THE HIGHEST 
MARKET PRICES—AN ACCURATE AND 
LIBERAL ASSORTMENT — PROMPT RE- 
TURNS, AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, 
KEEPING EVERY SHIPPER POSTED ON 
THE FUR MARKET AND TELLING HIM 
THE TRUTH." 



26 



"THE MAN AND THE 
INSTITUTION" 



MR. A. B. SHUBERT and A. B. SHUBERT, Inc. 



It is the man behind it, that makes an institution — a Raw Fur 
House. There is always one man who is the "boss" — the man 
"higher up." The principles of that man are reflected in the policy 
of the Raw Fur House — if he is a man of high ideals, a man of char- 
acter and integrity, straightforward and honest — these traits will be 
significant in the Fur House, and will express themselves in EFFI- 
CIENT—PROMPT— CONSCIENTIOUS— COURTEOUS SERV- 
ICE—HIGHEST MARKET PRICES — LIBERAL AND AC- 
CURATE ASSORTMENT— QUICKER AND BETTER RE- 
TURNS at all times. 

If the "boss" is dishonest and underhanded — one thing is sure — 
the Fur House will take advantage of the shipper at every oppor- 
tunity, and pity the poor shipper who entrusts his Furs to a house 
of that caliber. 

The "boss" of A. B. SHUBERT, INC., is— MR. A. B. SHUBERT 
— "fair and square." The words "fair and square" hardly do justice 
to Mr. Shubert. Look well at the photograph of Mr. Shubert in 
the front of this book. Does he not look like a man of moral strength 
and character? He sure does — and he is. The policy of the House 
of A. B. SHUBERT, INC., is governed by Mr. A. B. Shubert, and 
that policy always has been, is now, and always will be — "THE 
RAW FUR SHIPPER MUST BE TREATED FAIRLY AND 
SQUARELY"— "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE 
THEM DO UNTO YOU." That is the reason why, today, A. B. 
SHUBERT, INC., is the Largest House in the World dealing ex- 
clusively in American Raw Furs. Fur shippers all over North 
America have learned from experience that when they ship their 
Furs to "SHUBERT," they will receive a "fair and square" deal, 
that their interests will be taken care of as though they were the 
personal interests of Mr. A. B. Shubert. 

Mr. Shubert is a man who knows and appreciates the hardships 
and tribulations that a trapper must go through in order to make his 
collection. He has been through it himself — he knows the feeling 

27 



of pleasure that comes over a Fur shipper when he receives satis- 
factory returns — therefore, a shipper can always be sure of receiving 
all his Furs are worth when he ships to "SHUBERT." 

Mr. Shubert has been connected with the Fur Industry for the 
past fifty-five years, trapping, buying and handling Fur-bearers. 
The call of the wild was irresistible to him, and when still a mere boy, 
attending school, he was trapping Fur-bearers in the wilds of Con- 
necticut. By close application and keen observation, as well as a 
great amount of hard work, he soon mastered the art of trapping and 
was making considerable "pocket money" from his Fur-bearers. 
It must be remembered that Furs did not command as high prices 
in those days as they do at the present time, and that the hardships 
were greater than at the present day. When about twenty years 
of age, he decided he wanted a change of scenery. The great West 
presented excellent opportunities and Mr. Shubert came to Chicago, 
where he became connected with a Hide and Fur House in Chicago 
(long since out of business), and later went out on the road for them 
as a traveling Fur and Buffalo Robe buyer. He held this position 
for several years, and was then appointed assistant manager of the 
house he was working for. A couple of years later, the manager 
retired and Mr. Shubert succeeded him. He remained as manager 
until the year 1883, when he decided to try the game for himself, 
and "hung out his shingle" on Kinzie Street. The beginning was 
humble and but few shipments were received daily, but by his 
"fair and square" methods and honest treatment of Fur shippers 
Mr. Shubert soon gained a reputation which spread among the 
trappers like wild fire, and his business began to increase by leaps 
and bounds. The name "SHUBERT" became, among the trappers 
and Fur collectors of North America, a synonym for honesty and 
uprightness. He was obliged to move to larger quarters several 
times and has seen the business grow from a few hundred shipments 
a season to thousands upon thousands of shipments a season. Today 
—A. B. SHUBERT, INC., is the Largest House in the World 
dealing exclusively in American Raw Furs, and still the business 
keeps right on increasing. There can be only one reason for this 
great confidence and constancy in A. B. SHUBERT, INC., shown 
by the Fur Shippers of North America. They must be receiving 
;i "fair and square" deal, "more money" for their Furs and "quicker 
returns" from "SHUBERT," for if they were not, they certainly 
would not show such implicit faith in A. B. SHUBERT, INC. 

When a Fur shipper ships his Furs to A. B. SHUBERT, INC., 

In is shipping his Furs to a house that knows just what a Fur shipper 
wants and knows best how to give it to him. 

28 



If you are not a "SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPER," you are 

losing money— get in line — don't delay — pack up the next bunch 
of Furs you get together and give "SHUBERT" a trial — you will 
be convinced, and will become a happy member of the immense 
coterie of "SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPERS." 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"THE CARELESS OR THOUGHTLESS FUR 
SHIPPER HURTS OTHERS AS WELL AS 
HIMSELF, BECAUSE WITHOUT HIM THE 
"QUOTE-ANY-OLD-PRICE -PAY-WHAT- 
THEY- PLEASE- GET-RICH-QUICK-SCHEM- 
ER" WOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS." 

YOU CANNOT RENDER A FRIEND, WHO 
IS A FUR SHIPPER, ANY BETTER SERVICE 
THAN HELPING HIM TO BECOME AC- 
QUAINTED WITH "SHUBERT/' THE 
LARGEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD DEAL- 
ING EXCLUSIVELY IN AMERICAN RAW 
FURS WHERE EVERY TRANSACTION 
MUST BE A PROFITABLE ONE FOR THE 
SHIPPER. 



29 



"THE SHUBERT GUARANTEE" 

THE GUARANTEE THAT GUARANTEES 

ABSOLUTE PROTECTION AGAINST 

DISSATISFACTION 



"SHUBERT" GUARANTEES to "hold separate" your ship- 
ment of Raw Furs, subject to your acceptance of our offer, if you 
request us to do so, but your instructions must be placed inside a 
"SHUBERT" TAG ENVELOPE and attached to your shipment. 
We will assort your Furs liberally and accurately, and submit to 
you our highest valuation. If same is not entirely satisfactory, it 
will be absolutely necessary for you to notify us immediately and 
we will return your Furs at once. It is unreasonable for you to ask 
us to "Hold Separate" green or perishable Raw Furs. This we will 
not do, EXCEPT UPON A PERSONAL REQUEST OF THE 
SHIPPER TO DO SO AT HIS OWN PERSONAL RISK. 

Upon request of the shipper, we will "hold separate" shipments 
from the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsyl- 
vania and Wisconsin, for seven (7) days; from Kansas, Kentucky, 
Minnesota, Missouri and Tennessee, for nine (9) days; from Arkan- 
sas, Delaware, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, 
Oklahoma, Ontario, South Dakota and West Virginia, for eleven 
(11) days; from Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, 
Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North 
Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, for 
twelve (12) days; from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Mani- 
toba, Montana, New Mexico, Quebec, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, 
for thirteen (13) days; from Alberta, California, Nevada, New 
Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Prince Edward Island, Saskatche- 
wan and Washington, for sixteen (16) days; from British Columbia, 
Labrador and Newfoundland, for twenty (20) days, and from Alaska, 
Yukon and Northwest Territories, for thirty (30) days. Fur ship- 
ments will not be "held separate" any longer than the above specified 
length of time. 

This GUARANTEE is for ABSOLUTE PROTECTION to the 
Fur shipper. 



30 



WHEN DESCRIBING THE DIFFERENT 
FUR-BEARERS, IN THIS BOOK, ONLY 
THE VARIETIES RECOGNIZED BY FUR 
DEALERS, AND ONLY THE BEST 
METHOD OF TRAPPING ARE GIVEN. 



. .--v,^.*,.-^,, 



.' • . . 




; / :/ / ■ .1 





v v,^ 



- 



. i 




<^ ^ 4m? 4s»% «c 



MUSKRAT 




DcSCfiDtion ^ tout body, when full grown about four 

times as large as common house rat, * V - \ >* 
in form resembling a very large meadow mouse, short 
legs, rather long claws, hind feet slightly webbed, flat, 
long, scaly, almost naked tail, rudder-shaped, taper- 
ing to a point. Small, black and beady eyes, short 
ears. Glossy, long over-hairs, with a dense, woolly 
underfur. Color, dark brown above and dull white, 
ashy beneath. 

Rati OP Entire North America, except along the coasts 
of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. 

The Muskrat derives its name from the musky odor which it 
emits from two flat, oval sacs, situated between the hind legs beneath. 
This animal is also known among fur dealers as Musquash, which is 
the name given it by the Cree Indians. 

Undoubtedly, more money is paid out every season for this little 
fur-bearer than any other fur-bearing animal trapped in North 
America. While the value of a single skin is small compared to 
other fur-bearers, this little animal is caught in such large numbers 
that millions of dollars are required each year to finance its catch. 

The demand for Muskrat is very good. They are easily caught 
and it certainly would pay a trapper well to make an effort to catch 
a large quantity. 

The Muskrat is a nocturnal animal, but it is often seen in the 
day time, especially when building its winter house. They thrive 
best in marshy, sluggish places and along streams and ponds. Their 
houses are dome-shaped and are built on the bottom of ponds or on 
flat, grassy stretches half overflowed with water. The houses are 
made of mud, grasses, roots, pieces of sod, twigs, 
cattail stalks and steins of other aquatic plants. 
These are all piled in a heap until the top rises two or 
three feet above the water. They then excavate an 
interior room from the part of the structure above the 
water, from which they make several tunnels leading 
downward to the deep water which never freezes. The 
upper room of the lodge is lined with soft grass and 
moss and here the Muskrats spend much of their time in 
winter, sleeping, usually a single family in a house. 

33 




Muskrats that live along str earns and creeks usually burrow into 
the banks, where high enough for that purpose. The entrance of 
these tunnels is under water and of sufficient depth to prevent 
freezing. The tunnels extend upward into the bank above the water 
level and are anywhere from ten to fifty fe et in length, leading to 
a large chamber, which is lined with grass and moss. 

The Muskrat is herbivorous, that is, its chief food consists of 
herbs, grass, roots and vegetables, but it sometimes eats animal 
food. In Winter the main food of the Muskrat is th e roots of 
aquatic plants, such as pond lillies, sedges, etc., but it will also eat 
mussels, clams and carp. In the Summer the Muskrat eats roots, 
leaves, grass and sometimes they visit gardens near their haunts 
(doing considerable damage) where they feed on cabbage, carrots, 
corn, beets, onions, parsnips and practically all garden vegetables. 

Muskrats are very prolific, bringing forth from four to ten at a 
litter and about three litter s a year. 

They are easily trapped. The No. 1 and 1^ size traps are the 
best suited for Muskrat trapping. 

The best baits for Muskrat are sweet apples, carrots, parsnips, 
turnips, etc. A go od scent is the musk of the animal mixed with a 
little Anise Oil and Oil of Rhodium. 

There are various modes of trapping the Muskrat, the manner 
of setting depending upon the situation. They are usually taken at 
the foot of slides and trails. These trails and slides may be found 
along the banks of streams and ponds which they inhabit. 

Find such a slide or trail and set the trap at the foot of it under 
a couple of inches of water. No covering is required. 

Another good set is to find their holes in the banks and set a 
trap in the entrance. 

Still another method is to find their feeding beds — beds of grass 
which seem to be floating on the water — set traps on these beds, 
under water, and cover lightly with some of the feed bed. 

The floating log is also a good set. Get a log and moor it to 
the shore by a wire passed through a staple driven into one end of 
the log while the other end projects into the water. Cut shallow 
notches into the log just wide enough to hold a trap, set a trap in 
each notch and cover lightly with leaves or grass. The traps may 
be stapled to the log and small pieces of sweet apple and carrots 
scattered along the entire length. From three to ten traps may be 
set on one log, according to its length. 

34 



If Muskrat signs are found and none of the places described above 
can be located, find a steep bank and set a trap under two or three 
inches of water at the foot of the bank and pin a piece of bait to the 
bank about ten or twelve inches above the trap. 

Another way is to build a mound of stones and mud in shallow 
water and let the mound project out of the water about an inch or 
two. Place a trap on top of this mound and cover lightly with wet 
grass or moss. 

Always take great care to fasten the trap in such a manner as to 
drown the Muskrat when caught. This can be done by the use of 
the "sliding pole," or by fastening the trap to a stake in deep 
water. Otherwise, the captured Muskrat will gnaw or twist off a 
leg and get away. 

Muskrat should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 

BLACK MUSKRAT 

DGSCYlDtiOfl Darker and richer in color than the common Muskrat, 
sometimes almost black. 

RCLTLQQ Chesapeake and Delaware regions — along the coast from 
New Jersey to North Carolina. 




C. F. HAMPTON, DIAMOND BLUFF, WISCONSIN 
A well handled collection of Muskrat 

35 



SKUNK 




DcSCfivtlOtl Form stout, small head, eyes small and 
piercing, short legs, body consequently 
low, fore paws enlarged, straightened, well fitted for 
digging, tail long and very bushy, color black with white 
mark or fork on head, from which two stripes extend down . 

the back and along the sides of the tail. In some speci- I * i 
mens the stripe extends only half-way down the back, and I | * «|_ 
again, other specimens have no stripe at all, except a § »&* " 



small white mark on the forehead and a white tip to the tail. 
jXCLflQQ United States and lower parts of Canada. 

The Skunk yields a handsome Fur, which is very 
fashionable and in great demand. It is one of the staples of American 
Raw Furs, and every season trappers make good money trapping 
this Fur-bearer. 

The Skunk is a nocturnal animal, but occasionally it is seen 
during the day. It is sluggish in movement and has but little fear 
of man, sometimes coming close up to barns and outbuildings. 

The Skunk is wholly a terrestrial animal', that is, it does not 
climb trees nor swim, and lives in burrows in the ground, dens in 
rocks, decayed logs or stumps, or any natural shelter that is not 
away from the ground. They occasionally even take up quarters 
under a haymow or a barn. The burrows and dens sometimes con- 
tain as many as a dozen Skunk, not members of one 
family, but grown up animals attracted to one another. 
They hibernate only during the severest part of the 
winter. 

The Skunk is carnivorous, that is, its food consisst 
of worms, insects, frogs, mice, young birds, birds' eggs, 
and it will sometimes eat rabbits and even kill and eat 
young poultry. 

The Skunk is very prolific, bringing forth from five 
to ten young at a time, which is usually in May. 

That which particularly distinguishes the Skunk 
from other animals is its peculiar and powerful means 
of defense. It ejects a very foul-smelling and vile fluid 
when excited or attacked. This fluid is not the urine 
of the animal, as is commonly supposed, but a peculiar 
secretion contained in two large glands located near 

37 





the root of the tail and covered with a dense mass of muscle. The 
fluid is ejected by the contraction of this muscular covering, which so 
forcibly compresses the glands that the fluid may be ejected to a 
distance of six to twelve feet. The bite of the Skunk is capable of 
causing a disease like hydrophobia. There are several cases on 
record where the bite of a Skunk has resulted in death. 

No great skill is required for the capture of the Skunk, as it is 
not a cunning animal and is not suspicious, therefore, trapping 
Skunk is an easy matter. The best suited traps for Skunk are 
the Nos. 1 and \ x /i sizes. 

The following are good baits for Skunk: Young chicken, birds, 
mice, rotten eggs, a piece of tainted Skunk or rabbit meat. Tainted 
bait is preferable. The scent of the animal itself is about the best 
to use. However, Skunk are so easily caught that a bait or scent is 
not essential. 

The best way of trapping Skunk is to set the trap just in the 
entrance of the den, but if the entrance is small, set the trap just 
outside. The trap should be set with the jaws lengthwise, so that 
the Skunk will step between the jaws and not over one, as by stepping 
over the jaw the foot might be thrown out of the trap, by the rising 
jaw, as the trap springs. Sometimes Skunk will only look into a den 
and turn away without entering, therefore, when trapping at dens, 
it is well to put a piece of bait inside of the den. 

If you cannot find a den, dig a hole under an old stump and place 
a bait inside. Set the trap in front of the hole and cover lightly. 
Sprinkle a little scent on and around the stump and ground. 

Another good set, is to make a small pen of rotten wood, stones, 
etc., setting the trap in the entrance and placing a bait in the pen 
beyond the trap. 

A hollow log, a hole in the bank, or in a wall, or any natural 
enclosure is a good place in which to set a trap for Skunk. 

Fasten the trap to a clog, "spring pole" or "balance pole" 

There are various methods of killing a trapped Skunk so that it 
will not eject its scent. However, trappers who trap extensively for 
Skunk are not particular about getting scent on their clothes or hands, 
and have no time to bother with fancy methods of killing. They 
merely hit the animal a good blow on the head and are indifferent 
to getting scented. For the benefit of those who have objections to 
becoming scented, the writer will give several methods of killing. 

One way, if the trap is fastened to a clog, is to approach the 
animal slowly, without making any quick movements, and when 
within striking distance, hit it a good, smart blow across the back 
with a club. In this way the back is broken, thus preventing the 
animal from emitting its "perfume." 

38 



Another way is to drown the animal, if there is water nearby. 
Fasten the trap to the end of a long pole, ten to twelve feet in length. 
When the Skunk is caught, approach carefully and pick up the pole. 
By moving very slowly and making no quick motions, the animal can 
be led to the nearest water, where it can be drowned. Lift the 
animal up easily and let it down into the water, pushing the pole 
down until the animal's head is drawn under. Hold it under water 
until nearly drowned, then let it up to breathe, and push it under 
again, keeping it there until dead. 

Still another method is to cut the animal's throat. Attach a 
small, very sharp, pointed knife blade or lance to a long pole, about 
ten or fifteen feet in length. Approach the animal carefully and place 
the point of the knife or lance against the side of the animal's neck, 
low down, then give a good, quick jab, and in most cases it is all 
over with the Skunk. 

If the trap is fastened to a "spring pole" or "balance pole," the 
animal can be killed by a blow across the back. 

When skinning Skunk smear your hands with grease. After the 
animal is skinned, wash your hands with hot water and soap, and 
there will be no scent on your hands. 

To remove Skunk scent from clothing, use benzine or gasoline, or 
bury the clothes over night in damp ground. 

Skunk should be skinned, "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 




J. W. BENCK, WORTH, ILLINOIS 
A very successful trapper 

39 



*£ 



CIVET CAT 

Description Smaller than Skunk, color black, marked ill, 

with white, square-like patterns, tail full, if **| 

black, but in some examples (Southwestern and Coast A 
States) the tip of the tail is white. 

Rdnoe Southern Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas kl 
and Westward. 



The Civet Cat is really a species of Skunk, being similar 
to the Skunk in habits, mode of living, etc. 

j» It is both nocturnal and carnivorous, rarely 

showing itself during the day, and feeding on insects, 
J frogs, mice, birds, eggs, etc. 

i "\ 

I Its manner of defense is similar to that of the Skunk — 

the ejection of a vile, foul-smelling fluid. 

It lives in hollow logs or burrows in the ground, and 
will sometimes even make its dens under barns and out- 
buildings. 

Like the Skunk, the Civet Cat is not suspicious and 
is easily caught. The same bait, scent and trapping 
methods may be used for this animal as suggested for the 
Skunk. 

Either the Nos. 1 or 1^ traps may be used. 

Civet Cat should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 




"SHUBERT" says: 

"A LITTLE CARE IN CHOOSING YOUR FUR 
HOUSE SAVES A VAST AMOUNT OF DIS- 
SATISFACTION AND DISCOURAGEMENT 
AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR RETURNS." 



41 



\ r • 



\t> 



Y 



W 1 1*/ 



■i- 






;";J.-f| 



MINK 




DcSCViptiOtl Long, slender body, larger than a Weasel, 

small head, short ears, bushy tail, broad feet, 

long, stiff, lustrous overhairs, with a dense, soft-matted 

underfur; color varies from light, dull brown to rich, dark 

brown, nearly black, white spot on chin. 

RCMige All over North America. 

The largest Mink are found in Alaska and Northern 
Canada, while the darkest are found in the wooded districts 
of Canada, Nova Scotia, etc., and the Eastern States of the Union. 
The Central States abound with good medium-colored Mink, but in 
British Columbia and the Western States the animals are coarse- 
haired. In the Southern States they are lighter in color and coarser 
in Fur. 

The Mink spends a great deal of its time in the water, and it will 
never be found far away from water, unless it is caught during its 
journeys from one stream to another. It is a great traveler and 
always follows the same route. It can swim and dive well and can 
remain a considerable time under water. It can also climb trees. 

The Mink is neither nocturnal nor diurnal. It travels alike at 
night and during the day. It is perfectly indifferent to the time — 
it may be a dark, stormy night or a bright, sunshiny morning. 

In April the female fixes herself a nest in some hole in the rocks 
or inside a hollow log or stump, and there brings forth her 
young, four to seven in a litter. 

The Mink is carnivorous and feeds on fish, frogs, lizards, 
beetles, birds, mice, rabbits, etc., all of which are good for 
bait. 

The best scent for Mink is the musk of the animal itself. 
Another good scent is Fish Oil. A mixture of Mink musk 
and Fish Oil is a very good scent. 

The proper sizes of traps for Mink are Nos. 1 and 13^. 

There are various methods of trapping the Mink, both on 
land and in the water. When the trap is set on land, cover 
it lightly with material in keeping with the surroundings, 
and fasten to a clog, "spring pole" or "balance pole." Wlien 
the trap is set in or near the water, fasten to a "sliding pole" 
or stake it out into the water the entire length of the chain. 

43 



The following is a good water set: Find a steep bank where 
the water is not deep. Make a hole in the bank eight or ten 
inches deep and about three or four inches in diameter. Put a piece 
of bait in the hole. Set the trap in the water at the mouth of the 
hole and cover with mud or wet leaves. 

If you can find little sandbars, along a stream projecting into the 
water, set a trap on one of these bars under water about an inch or 
two deep. Fix a small fish on the point of a stick out in the water, 
about a foot from the trap, and push the stick down until the fish 
is partly under water. 

Another method is to find a Mink trail along a stream, then get 
some old dry sticks and stick them in the ground across the trail 
and about six inches out in the water, leaving a narrow passage in 
the trail between the sticks. Set a trap in this passage and cover 
lightly. 

Where Mink travel along a lake, find the outlet and lay a hollow 
log across the stream. Set a trap in the log, covering it with fine 
rotten wood. The Mink will try to run through the log and will 
be caught. 

When streams are frozen up, find a jam or drift extending across 
the stream. Set a trap in an opening in the drift near the bank. 
Cover with wet leaves and fine drift dirt. If you cannot find 
a good opening, make one. 

Mink should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"IF YOU LEND CASH TO AN INDIVIDUAL 
YOU WOULD TAKE SOME THOUGHT 
REGARDING INTEREST YOU GET — THE 
POSSIBILITY OF REPAYMENT AND THE 
GENERAL SAFETY OF THE LOAN, THERE- 
FORE, YOU SHOULD EXERCISE THE SAME, 
OR GREATER PRECAUTION, WHEN 
CHOOSING YOUR FUR HOUSE." 



11 




FEATHER BROTHERS, EMAUS, PA. 
Two "Satisfied Shubert Shippers" 



Emaus, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1917. 
A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

We want to thank you for the money which you have shipped 
to us. We were much pleased with the prices. We have received 
every check O. K. 

We have tried several other fur companies, but none of them 
had paid as well as the "SHUBERT" Co. Enclosed find a picture 
of my brother and myself with some of the furs which we caught 
during the month of November. 

Yours truly, 

FEATHER BROS. 



45 



RACCOON 




Description Form stout, nose pointed, ears medium 
length, general color gray and grizzly, 
with long black and white hairs, dark on the back, 
underfur abundant and dark blue, face whitish, with 
black area on each cheek surrounding the eye, tail 
thick and bushy, yellow, ringed with black. 

RcLUQQ United States, Western British Columbia, 
Southern Ontario, Southern Quebec and New 
Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. 

Though much smaller, the Raccoon is said to be 
related to the Bears, and it certainly appears to pos- 
sess all the characteristic features of the Bear family, 
shuffling about the woods in a bear-like manner and always ready 
to feed on anything that presents itself — nuts, berries, wild grapes, 
bugs, reptiles, fish, frogs, birds, etc. 

They are also very fond of green corn and poultry. They strip 
down the ears of the corn and tearing away the sheathing and husks, 
eat the tender, juicy kernels and usually in sheer wastefulness, bruise 
and destroy much more than they can devour. 

The worst vice of the Raccoon is robbing the farmer's hen-roost. 
A Raccoon at large in a hen-roost, loses all caution and fear, killing 
right and left while his enthusiasm lasts, and then feeds greedily on 
the result of his butchery. However, the Raccoon is not as cunning 
as the Fox, and will return for a second visit to a farmyard that it 
has once ravaged in this manner and the farmer can take advantage 
of this seeming dullness of intellect by setting several traps for him. 

The Raccoon is a nocturnal animal, a good 
swimmer and climbs trees with ease, in fact, 
sometimes it will travel for long distances among 
the treetops without once descending to earth, 
robbing the nests of birds and squirrels on the 
way. On the ground the Raccoon prefers wet 
places, along the borders of swamps and banks 
of streams. He will mount every fallen tree on 
his path and run along it to the other end. 

During the cold weather the Raccoon hiber- 
nates, making his den in a good-sized hollow tree 
or a cavern among the rocks. In some parts of 

47 




the country, Raccoon dwell in burrows which they dig in the high 
banks of streams. 

.The young Raccoon are born in April or May and vary in number 
from three to six. 

The Raccoon is not much of a traveler. Of course there are 
exceptions, and undoubtedly many have the wandering habit, but 
the majority of them return regularly at daybreak to their dens. 

As a rule Raccoon are not difficult to trap. They are very 
curious, and a piece of tin or other shining metal will attract them. 

Squirrels, frogs, fish, etc., are good bait for Raccoon. A good 
scent is Fish Oil mixed with a few drops of Anise Oil and a couple 
ounces of honey. Pure Fish Oil, Muskrat Musk, Beaver Castor 
and Anise Oil are also good. 

The traps to use for Raccoon are the Nos. l^. 2 and 3 sizes. 

A good method for trapping Raccoon is to tie a piece of bright 
tin or a piece of a white dish or some other shining article to the pan 
of the trap and set the trap under a couple of inches of water near 
the bank. 

Where Raccoon visit a corn field, a careful study of the ground 
will sometimes reveal a well beaten trail. Set the trap in the trail, 
cover lightly and fasten to a clog. 

If you find a log lying across a stream or in the woods and there 
are Raccoon signs about, cut a notch in the top of the log and set 
a trap in the notch. Cover with rotten wood or moss. 

Another good set is to place a trap at the entrance of a pen of 
stakes built at the edge of a stream where Raccoon travel. The trap 
may be set under water or on land, and a bait should be placed at 
the back of the pen. 

Raccoon should be skinned "open." 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"THE BIGGEST ASSET THAT ANY FUR 
HOUSE CAN HAVE IS THE CONFIDENCE 
OF ITS FUR SHIPPERS." 



A WONDERFUL INSTITUTION 

Away back in the year of 1883, the "SHUBERT" Fur House 
was founded. The beginning was humble. The quarters were small 
and receipts of Fur shipments were limited, but the spirit that 
governed the organization and the policy of dealing with Fur shippers 
was broad — BIG. Responsible for that spirit, that policy, was one 
man — MR. A. B. SHUBERT — a man who cherished business ideals 
far in advance of those of the commercial life of that day. 

This man introduced in the Fur Industry the revolutionary 
doctrine — "The Fur Shipper Must be Treated Fairly." Nothing- 
just like that had ever been practiced before in the Fur business. 
Instead, "Let the Fur shipper beware" had been the motto of Fur 
houses from the very beginning of the Fur Industry in North America, 
and it was accepted as principle in law. 

The "SHUBERT" idea revolutionized American Fur business 
standards. 

Another innovation was a strict adherence to facts—the truth 
in every word of market information and paying the prices quoted. 
In that day, misstatements and exaggerations were expected to be 
found in the advertisements of Fur houses. "Advertising must be 
taken with a grain of salt," was the saying, but Fur shippers soon 
began to understand that there was ONE Fur house that made no 
overstatements in its circulars or other advertising, and paid the 
prices it quoted. 

From the first little store located on Kinzie Street, in Chicago, 
"SHUBERT" has expanded, until it is today the LARGEST house 
in the world dealing exclusively in AMERICAN RAW FURS. 

The fact that the "SHUBERT" organization is now represented 
all over the world — we have connections in every civilized country 
where Furs are used — enables us to perform a SERVICE that is 
unexcelled for EFFICIENCY, SPEED and COURTESY. 

Ship your Furs to "SHUBERT" and have the advantage of the 
SERVICE of this Wonderful Institution. 

49 



_<-- i— -r 




•S o? «?:- «?*r ,>:- ,y- o: 
te r * -fe % '*? % »fe 

OPOSSUM 

Description Long, rather coarse hair, general color 
grey and grizzly, black tipped, grey 
underfur, long grayish white overlying hairs, legs 
brownish black, feet black, toes white, head, throat 
and center of belly white, ears bare, black with white 
tips, tail prehensile, nearly naked, black at base, shad- 
ing into dull flesh color toward tip. 



RCLYIQG Middle and Southern States, ranging as far north 

as Pennsylvania and Ohio, and as far west as 

Nebraska and the entire south from Florida to Texas. 

The Opossum is the only marsupial found in America, that is, it 
is the only representative of that remarkable class of animals in 
which the young are born at such an early and undeveloped stage 
that the mother is obliged to carry them about in a pocket or pouch 
under her belly until they are old enough to take care of themselves. 

The Opossum makes its den in the ground under a stump or 
rock. They also live in hollow logs. In cold weather they retire to 
their dens and only come out occasionally when the snow is on the 
ground. They hate the cold and are most active on warm, damp 
nights. They are found only in wooded districts, and can climb to 
the tops of the tallest trees, using their tail and hand-shaped feet. 
The tail is prehensile, that is, it can hold on to anything it encircles, 
and it is a great aid in supporting them while they gather persimmons, 
grapes and other wild fruit of the woods. 

The Opossum is a nocturnal animal, sleeping in the daytime and 
seeking its food by night. It is a slow moving and stupid animal 
and has no particular means of defending itself. As a 
last resort in danger, they feign death or "play possum." 

The principal food of the Opossum consists of insects, 
persimmons, grapes or other wild fruit, nuts, berries, 
roots, reptiles, carrion, eggs, small rats, mice and sweet 
potatoes, also poultry and corn. 

Opossum are very prolific, having two or three litters 
each year and from six to thirteen in a litter. 

Good bait for Opossum is chicken, rabbit, small birds 
or carrion. 

51 




They are easily trapped, the No. 1 size being the best suited for 
this animal. Traps may be set at the entrance to dens, along fences 
or in natural enclosures, such as holes in trees and stumps, a hollow 
between two spreading roots, or in hollow logs. If none of the 
above described places can be found, make a small pen of sticks, 
stones, etc. Set a trap in the entrance and cover lightly, fasten to 
a clog. Place a piece of bait beyond the trap. 

Opossum should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"SERVICE" IS A THREADBARE WORD. IT 
IS FALLING TO A LOW ESTATE, BECAUSE 
OF CONSTANT ABUSE BY RAW FUR 
DEALERS AND RAW FUR HOUSES. 

"SERVICE" MEANS-THE HIGHEST MAR- 
KET PRICES —ACCURATE AND LIBERAL 
ASSORTMENT— PROMPT RETURNS. 
THIS WILL BE RECOGNIZED WITHOUT A 
LABEL. 

"SERVICE" IS AS SCARCE AS THE WORD 
IS PLENTIFUL. 

"SHUBERT" HAS GIVEN HUNDREDS OF 
THOUSANDS OF "SATISFIED SHUBERT 
SHIPPERS" —"SERVICE " UNSELFISHLY. 
BY THAT ACT "SHUBERT" IS SUCCESS- 
FUL. "SHUBERT" DON'T TALK REAL 
SERVICE TO FUR SHIPPERS — 

-WE DELIVER. 



FUR SHIPPERS ALL OVER 
NORTH AMERICA 

Have put their STAMP OF APPROVAL on "SHUBERT" 
SERVICE. The successful Fur Shipper in most cases is a 
"SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPER." 

"SHUBERT" has won first place among the Fur Houses of North 
America— growing steadily — surely — every year for "over a third of 
a century." "SHUBERT" forged ahead to the front— onward 
into leadership in the Fur Industry. "SHUBERT" studied the Fur 
Industry and brought out more ideas for protection of Fur Shippers 
than any other house — the most important — "THE SHUBERT 
GUARANTEE," which means ABSOLUTE PROTECTION for 
Fur Shippers — dissatisfaction is IMPOSSIBLE. Read it — -on page 
30. Compare the Market Reports and prices quoted in "tEhe 
^>J)Ufaert Shipper" with literature of other houses. Have they 
that ring of sincerity? "SHUBERT" offers you the services of a 
big — live — wide-awake institution. 

'"Qfyt §S>\)Ubtvt £j>f)tppcr" quotes you honest and reliable prices 
and gives you authentic Market information. You take no risk 
when you ship your Furs to "SHUBERT" — you are the final and 
only judge as to whether our prices and assortment satisfy you. 

"SHUBERT" is as near you as your postoffice or express agent. 
Wherever your home may be — whether in town or in the country — - 
east or west, north or south — our institution and our SERVICE are 
really as convenient to you as your postoffice or your express agent. 

Your postoffice or express agent and a "SHUBERT TAG 
ENVELOPE" on your shipment together spell Accurate and Liberal 
Assortment — the Highest Market Prices — Prompt Returns — Effi- 
cient, Conscientious, Speedy and Courteous SERVICE. 

Make "SHUBERT" a Trial Shipment— "SHUBERT" Wants 
YOUR Stamp of Approval. 



•75 




*# -% 4^ -# 
g. ^ p, 

BEAVER 



Description Thick, heavy body, broad, flat, i 

scaly and naked tail, webbed I 

hind feet, general color varies from light to dark 
brown, some specimens almost black, thick, V 

dense, soft underfur of a dull brownish color, 
mixed with longer hairs on the back, of a chest- 
nut brown color, ears black, feet, legs and under- 
part dull brown. 
D fiYinn Northern and Northwestern United 
y States, Canada and Alaska. 
The Beaver is a more or less well known 
animal. In the early days of the Fur trade in 
North America, the pelt of the Beaver was the 
standard by which all barters were settled. A 
gun, canoe, trapping outfit, clothing or food, cost so many Beaver 
skins. So many Muskrat skins or so many of some other article 
were worth one Beaver skin. At the present time Beaver skins are 
in good demand and bring high prices. 

The Beaver is an industrious little animal of a peaceful disposi- 
tion. Everyone knows that it has a wonderful power which no 
other animal possesses — that of felling trees. This it does by 
gnawing through the wood with its powerful, chisel-like teeth. 
When a tree is cut down, the Beavers trim off the branches and bring 
them to their houses for a supply of winter food. Then they cut 
the trunk into suitable lengths and drag them down to the water, 
where they make a dam of these short logs, filled in with stones and 

earth. Frequently they build other 
dams just below the main dam to 
reinforce it and relieve it of part of 
the water pressure. The purpose 
of these dams is to back up the 
water to form lakes or ponds at the 
edge of which they construct their 
houses. 

The dwellings are circular and 
very well constructed of logs, sticks 
and stones, plastered down with 
mud on the roof and with an en- 
trance under water. An entire 

55 




family usually lives in one house and as the family increases in size, 
they enlarge the house each fall to accommodate the new members, or 
else build new houses along the edge of the lake or pond. Occasional- 
ly, a lone Beaver will be found here and there, making its mud house 
at the head of some little brook, but this is an exception. 

During the summer the Beaver feeds on lily roots and bark and 
green twigs, but for the winter they lay in a supply of poplar, willow, 
cottonwood and birch of which they eat the bark. When the supply 
begins to run low during mid-winter, they travel under the ice, hunt- 
ing for fresh supplies, digging up roots and gnawing the bark from 
bushes and trees under ice. 

The young are born about the middle of May, four to eight at a 
birth. 

The Beaver, both male and female, has two glands situated in the 
hinder part of the body, beneath, which are filled with a secretion 
of a yellowish or light-brown color, known as Beaver Castor. This 
Castor makes the best bait or scent for the animal, and is also used 

for medicinal purposes. 

The Beaver is a cunning animal 
and is always on guard against 
danger, which makes it somewhat 
difficult to trap. There are many 
ways of trapping Beaver. They may 
be trapped in the spring or fall, in 
open water or under the ice in winter. 
The spring season is the better time, 
because the Fur is then in its best 
condition. 

The Nos. 3 3/2 or 4 traps should be 
used. Find a high slanting bank, dig 
out a small pocket in the bank a few inches deep. Set a trap in the 
water in front of the pocket. Fasten a piece of Beaver Castor to the 
bank. Fasten the trap to a "sliding pole," but use a dead pole, 
because if a green pole is used, the other Beaver will carry it away. 
Another method is to find a Beaver slide or trail and set a trap a 
few inches under water at the foot of the slide or trail. 

Still another method in open water is to set a trap about three or 
four inches under water, at the foot of a steep bank. Drive a stick 
of green wood into the bank about two feet above the trap and smear 
Beaver Castor on the end of the stick. Around the trap, place a few, 
small upright sticks of dead wood so that the Beaver will have to go 
over the pan of the trap in order to reach the scented stick driven 
into the bank. 




Very Good Specimens of Beaver Castor 



56 



A good winter set is as follows : Locate a place near the Beaver 
houses where the water is about a foot deep, cut a hole in the ice 
about twenty inches square. Make a pen in the water by shoving 
down dead sticks, a few inches apart. Cut a piece of green poplar, 
cottonwood or birch, a couple of inches thick and about two feet long. 
Fasten the end of this piece of green wood to one of the corner stakes 
and about two or three inches from the bottom, close to one side of 
the pen, also fasten it near the entrance and set the trap well inside 
of the pen and close to the piece of green wood, which is the bait. 
Cover the hole with evergreen boughs to prevent its freezing. 

When setting traps for Beaver in open water, it is always best to 
stand in the water so as not to leave any human scent. 

Always fasten the trap to a "dead" stake or pole, as the Beaver 
will carry away a green piece of wood. 

Beaver should be skinned "open" and stretched as round as 
possible. Fasten the skin in a hoop at four points and gradually 
stretch between these fastenings. Use adarge bag needle, passing 
the string through the skin and around the hoop. 

HONESTY THAT YOU 
CAN BANK ON 

There are two kinds of Honesty, just as there are two kinds of 
almost anything else. First: 

There is Commercial Honesty, in which the crime lies in getting 
caught. A few cents off a Muskrat, ten to fifteen cents off a Skunk, 
twenty to thirty cents off a Mink, in fact, just a little taken off the 
real value of your Furs that you — the shipper — -would never miss — - 
that's Commercial Honesty. And then: 

There is the real, old-fashioned 24-Carat Honesty, the kind that 
won't rub off, the kind that means to you one hundred cents for 
every dollar's worth of Furs you ship, an accurate and liberal 
assortment, the highest market prices, always trying to give more, 
never giving less than we quote, that is the good OLD-FASHIONED 
HONESTY — that is the cornerstone upon which the immense 
"SHUBERT" institution has been built from the very first day of 
its establishment in 1883. 

That is the kind of honesty that holds our shippers through one 
generation to the next. That's the kind of honesty that turns a 
trial shipment into a "SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPER," and 
finally, that is the kind of honesty that you can bank on when you 
ship your Furs to 

"SHUBERT" 

57 




\V\ 



I I \ 



^"■i.& 





WHITE WEASEL 



WHITE WEASEL 

Description Lon §' slender body, short legs, small feet. ^ 

The Fur is short and pure white in winter, *n* 

except a black tip to the tail. In the summer the color 

changes, varying from a light, dull brown to a rich, dark gg| 

brown; tip of tail remains black. ^ 

RdtlQ Q. ^ as k a > Newfoundland, Canada and Northern States 
as far south as Colorado, Iowa, Central Illinois and 
Pennsylvania. 

The White Weasel is the smallest of all carnivorous animals. It 
is bold and fearless and probably no other creature is more blood- 
thirsty than this little animal. It is a determined and tireless 
hunter, following its prey by scent and killing for the mere joy of 
slaughter, often leaving its victims uneaten. When game is plenti- 
ful, they are satisfied with sucking the warm blood. A White Weasel 
in a hen roost is a terror, as it will kill the chickens right and left, 
stopping only to suck a little of the blood from each. 

The White Weasel is a great wanderer, traveling miles in a single 
night. It likes to follow old tumble-down stone walls overgrown 
with weeds, or along old fences, and will squeeze into every crevice 
or hole it can find. 

They make their dens under stumps or in the hollow roots of 
old trees. They also take possession of the burrows of ground- 
squirrels or rabbits, the occupants of which they kill. 

The food of the White Weasel consists of mice, moles, shrews, 
rabbits, poultry and young birds and their eggs. 

They are very prolific, having two or three litters a year and from 
four to eight in a litter. 

The best bait for White Weasel is rabbit, but squirrels 
^a and mice are also good. Fresh blood is more attractive to 
the White Weasel than any other scent. 

The Nos. 1 or V/i traps are best suited for White Weasel. 

For a White Weasel set build a small enclosure of sticks 

or stones. Set a trap in the entrance. Place a rabbit head 

or some other bait on a stick beyond the trap so that the 

animal will have to go over the trap to reach the bait. 

y Fasten the trap to a clog, as a larger animal may be caught. 

59 



Under old roots, crevices in rocks, or any small, natural cavities 
are good places for White Weasel sets. 

When the Fur of the White Weasel changes to brown, it 
becomes of little or no value, at the most not worth over five to ten 
cents. Some Weasel are caught just when the Fur is turning white, 
and have a few grey hairs on the back. These are called Greybacks 
and are worth considerably less than the pure white skins. 

Often White Weasel are caught that have yellow "stains" on 
the back. These are known as "stained" Weasel, and are not 
worth as much as the pure white skins. There is no way of removing 
the "stain." 

White Weasel should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh out. 



"SHU BERT" says: 

"DISAPPOINTMENT AND DISSATISFAC- 
TION ARE SURE TO FOLLOW IF YOU 
ARE NOT JUDICIOUS IN CHOOSING YOUR 
FUR HOUSE. IF YOU DO NOT SHIP YOUR 
FURS TO A RELIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE 
INSTITUTION, YOUR RETURNS ARE 
BOUND TO FALL SHORT IN SOME 
RESPECT. THESE FLY-BY-NIGHT-QUOTE- 
ANY-OLD-PRICE FUR HOUSES HAVE A 
REPUTATION LIKE A PASTE JEWEL, 
WHICH CAN NEVER BE EXHIBITED WITH 
HONEST PRIDE. EVENTUALLY YOU WILL 
KNOW IT IS NOT GENUINELY GOOD AND 
YOU WILL HELP OTHERS TO DETECT 
THE IMITATION." 



to 



"SHUBERT" SERVICE 

You don't have to have a "PERSONAL PULL" with "SHU- 
BERT" to enjoy the benefits of the "SHUBERT" SERVICE. The 
one thing that entitles you to the "SHUBERT" SERVICE is a 
TRIAL SHIPMENT. It makes no difference whether you are 
10 miles or 5,000 miles from Chicago, you get the same SERVICE. 

"SHUBERT" loves his friends and he also loves to make "new 
ones." He never made a new shipper at the expense of an old one, 
nor does he give the old ones any undue advantage over the new 
ones. He SERVES them all alike and SERVES them well. There 
is a lot of "HOCUS POCUS" in the fur business— "BUNK" and 
"NONSENSE." "SHUBERT" steers clear of it all and plays the 
Game straight — on the square — man to man — -from a human stand- 
point. One Fur shipper is as good as another Fur shipper and 
"SHUBERT" gives the same SERVICE to all alike. 

The fatal word "FAILURE" is written opposite the names of 
a good many Fur Houses who failed to follow the rules of SERVICE 
—who quoted prices, but ignored the Fur Shipper — who did not pay 
what they quoted— did not give an HONEST ASSORTMENT— 
and did not pay the HIGHEST MARKET PRICES. They were 
overloaded with "BUNK" and "NONSENSE" and thought they 
could fool Fur shippers. 

"SHUBERT" SERVICE is the "SHUBERT" word of honor to 
"DELIVER THE GOODS" at any time you make a shipment, 
whether we receive it in January or July. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"TRUTH IS THE BEST BUSINESS ASSET." 



61 




\ 








■ — : 



«* 






«?•- 

^.*- 






«= 



COYOTE 



DcSCtivtiOtl General color, dull yellowish-grey, 
some specimens grizzled with black and 
white hairs, under parts ashy white, tail full, tipped 
with black. 

RCLTIQC Entire Western and Southwestern United States 
north to Canada, also found in extreme Northern 
Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 



i t 
'III 






i i 




Coyotes are small, slinking wolves, very numerous 

on the plains of the United States and Canada. They 

are fleet of foot, cunning and wary, but very cowardly. 
As a rule, Coyotes run, hunt and live in pairs. 
They are very destructive to sheep and cattle, and 

prey on young game, especially deer, elk and antelope. 

They never attack cattle or deer, unless in packs of six or eight. 

They also eat rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, prairie dogs, sage hen, 

grouse, Badger, etc. 

They live in burrows, natural holes in the rocks, or enlarged 

Badger dens. The young are born in the spring and there are from 

five to eight in a litter. 

Practically every state where Coyotes are found, as well as some 

of the provinces of Canada, pay a bounty for the capture of this 
animal. The bounties, the bounty laws and the 
methods of obtaining the bounty money vary in the 
different states. Coyote skins are often ruined and 
greatly reduced in market value by the require- 
ments of bounty laws, especially when the head or 
ears are cut off. Most of the Coyote skins, par- 
ticularly from the better sections, are used in imi- 
tation of Fox. They are dyed and made up into 
scarfs. If the head of the animal is cut off, it cannot 
be used in imitation of Fox, therefore, the value of 
the skin is reduced materially. The skin of the 
Coyote has a market value, and in recent years 
very high prices have been paid for perfect skins, 
with heads on. 

Coyotes are very suspicious and difficult to trap. 
For bait, any of their natural foods may be used. A 
good portion of a horse or sheep, or a prairie dog, rab- 
bit, sage hen, Badger, etc., make good bait. If small 
animals are used for bait, they should not be skinned. 

63 



There are many different kinds of scents that may be used ad- 
vantageously in trapping Coyotes. Beaver Castor is fairly attractive. 
The urine of the animal, bottled and allowed to stand until it becomes 
rancid, is also a very good scent. The sexual organs of the female, 
taken when "in heat," added to the urine of the animal, make a 
scent that is strongly attractive to the males, and is most successful 
during the mating season, which is January and February. Another 
good scent may be made by cutting up about half a pound of raw 
beef into small pieces and placing in a bottle, allowing it to stand 
until it is thoroughly decayed. Add a quart of prairie-dog oil or 
any liquid animal oil. Then add one ounce of pulverized asafetida 
and one ounce of pulverized Beaver Castor. Mix well and bottle 
tightly until used. 

The Nos. 3 or 4 traps should be used for Coyotes and should always 
be fastened to a clog or drag of about twenty-five to thirty-five 
pounds in weight (a stone or log may be used). Never stake the 
trap unless absolutely necessary. If the trap is staked, the chain 
should have a swivel at each end. The trap, chain and clog or 
drag should be carefully buried. The surface of the ground and the 
surroundings should appear as nearly natural as possible. Do not 
touch the ground with your hands, nor spit near the trap, and avoid 
leaving human scent as much as possible. While setting traps, well 
scented gloves should be worn and scent rubbed on the soles of the 
shoes. A piece of old cowhide or sheepskin may be used to stand 
on and to place the loose dirt in digging the hole for the trap and clog. 

A good method of trapping Coyotes is as follows: Find a well 
defined trail. Set two traps close together on the trail, then set 
two more in the same manner about fifty yai'ds beyond. Place a large 
bait close to the trail and about halfway between the two settings. 

Another method is to drag a large piece of fresh meat along a 
trail. Set traps some distance apart from each other on the trail 
and cut some of the meat in small pieces and scatter around the trap. 

Still another method is to place a bait on a stick about three feet 
high, driven into the ground. Set traps on each side of the bait 
and about ten feet from it. The Coyotes will become suspicious and 
will circle around the bait and in that way step into one of the traps. 

If an animal is found that has been killed by Coyotes, it is well 
to set traps around it. 

Traps may also be set between clumps of brush, weeds, cactus 
or between two trees. A few drops of scent may be applied to the 
grass, weeds, ground or trees. 

The best time to set traps for Coyotes is just before a rain or 
light snow fall, as this will help take away the human scent. 

Coyotes should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. 

64 




JOSEPH BILL, MINIDOKA, IDAHO 
Another "Satisfied Shubert Shipper" 



Minidoka, Idaho, March 19, 1917. 
A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

Your money was received for my furs. I can say that I was well 
pleased and can say that "SHUBERT" pays higher prices for furs 
than any fur house in the world. Will send you one of my cards 
that I had taken awhile back with 38 coyotes on and 8 badgers and 2 
cats, and I have sent these furs to different fur houses to see what 
company pays the best and I got bigger money from "SHUBERT." 
Will send my furs to "SHUBERT" from now on. 
Yours very truly, 

JOSEPH BILL. 



65 







v 



r 



m 



« /A 



mm 
















,i .„ 






TIMBER WOLF 




♦5 * ♦:? ♦:* ♦:? ♦:? 

TIMBER OR GREY WOLF 

DeSCriptlOtl Lar § er tlian Coyote, color grey, freely 
mixed with black hairs on the back, 
tail full, tipped with black. 

RcitlQ 2 Same as Coyote, also everglades of Florida, 
Alaska and entire North. 

The Timber Wolf is a larger animal than the 
Coyote, but is not found in large numbers in any 
district. While it possesses the swiftness, shy cun- 
ning and wariness of the Coyote, it is not cowardly 
like the Coyote, but very bold and ferocious. In the 
far North, in the winter, when food is very scarce, 
they will not hesitate to attack man. 

Large Wolves are sometimes called "Lobos" or 
"Loafers." 

Unlike the Coyote, Wolves travel in packs and run down their 
prey by combined speed and endurance. 

Wolves are destructive to game and cattle. In the far North, cari- 
bou, moose and musk ox are their principal prey, while in the United 
States and Canada, they kill many deer and antelope. Throughout 
the cattle country, they prey on the cattle. They also eat rabbits, 
mice, prairie dogs, etc. 

Like the Coyote, the Wolf lives in cavities in the rocks, holes in 

the ground, etc. The young are 
born in the spring and there are 
from five to nine in a litter. 

Practically every state where 
Wolves are found, as well as some of 
the provinces of Canada, pay a 
bounty for the capture of this ani- 
mal. The bounties, the bounty laws 
and the methods of obtaining the 
bounty money vary in the different 
states. Wolf skins are often ruined 
and greatly reduced in market value 
by the requirements of the bounty 
laws, especially when the head or ears 
are cut off. The skin of the Wolf 
has a market value and when perfect, 

67 




with the head on, commands a very high price. The remarks about 
Coyote in regard to baits, scents and trapping methods apply 
equally to the Wolf. However, a larger trap should be used, the 
Nos. 4 or 43^ being about the right sizes, as the Wolf is a stronger 
animal than the Coyote. 

Wolves should be skinned "open" and the head, feet and claws 
left on. 




W. B. FARNSWORTH AND BROTHER, CAREY, IDAHO 
Two Successful Coyote Trappers 



Carey, Idaho, Feb. 1, 1917. 
A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I received the returns from you and can say to you and all of my 
friends that I am more than pleased and satisfied. 

Thanking you for this, and you can look forward for about one 
to three shipments from me soon, and wishing you always success in 
your business, I remain a steady customer. 

W. B. FARNSWORTH, 

Carey, Idaho. 



68 




ONTAe Tra.il To AB. SAu^ft 



HUGH CHALFANT, JAYEM, WYOMING 

Jayem, Wyoming, January 19, 1917. 
A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sir:— 

Something doing on a small scale. You have treated me fair 
and square before and therefore I am sending you a small shipment 
of furs. Wish it was more (7 coyotes, 2 skunks and 11 muskrats). 
The coyote hides are the best I have seen in this locality and about 
half of what I catch is too shabby, not even worth skinning. This 
scab, or mange as we call it here, was caused by people inoculating 
the coyotes with it to get rid of them, but it didn't seem to affect 
them much, only to spoil their fur. 

I expect to catch a few muskrats and skunks as soon as the 
weather breaks, and as long as you pay satisfactory prices you will get 
all I catch in the fur line. At present I have out a good string of traps 
for coyotes and bob cats. I will have another shipment about the 
last of March, if I have any good luck. I have been trying to get 
some of my friends to ship their furs to you, but guess they would 
sooner ship them to some sucker bait house and get bit. Anyway, I 
am going to dig into them and see if I can't get them to come 
through and ship to you. Please tell me if these furs I am sending 
you are handled and stretched right, if it is not asking too much of you. 
Will send you a picture of myself and some furs that I had taken 
some time back. It may come in handy for you to use for a calen- 
dar or advertisement, and you have my consent to use it if you wish. 
Yours very truly, 

HUGH CHALFANT, 

Jayem, Wyoming. 



69 




RED FOX 



•I* 



•r*- 

v 



v 



»:* 



RED FOX 




Description Color varies in different sections, from 
a pale red to a very bright, deep red, 
greyish on rump and flanks, tail very bushy, same 
color as body, with longer black hairs at the top, tip 
of tail white, legs black, belly usually white, but in 
some sections black. 
I\(XYIQQ. Entire North America and Newfoundland. 

The Red Fox is the most common of all the Foxes 
and the best known. It has a well-earned and un- 
deniable reputation for shrewdness and cunning, and 
is one of the most difficult Fur-bearers to trap. 

The Red Fox is bold and at the same time cautious. 
Its boldness in robbing hen-roosts is well known, and 
sometimes it will come close up to camps and feed on the scraps of 
food that are discarded. 

The Red Fox hunts for its food generally at night, but it is also 
frequently seen in the day time. It feeds on small birds, rabbits, 
squirrels, mice, woodchucks, Muskrat, fish, poultry, partridge, 
carrion, etc. 

It rears its young in burrows in the ground, but except in rough 
weather, prefers to sleep in the open air, lying in a 
clump of brush or weeds or under a fallen tree. The 
young are born the latter part of April or the begin- 
ning of May, there being from four to nine in a litter, 
usually four. 

The senses of sight, smell and hearing of the Red 
Fox are very acute, but the animal relies more on its 
senses of smell and hearing than upon its eyesight, in 
hunting, avoiding its enemies and detecting the dan- 
ger in a set. 

It possesses great speed and is a very intelligent 
animal. Its tricks to escape its enemies and secure 
its prey are really remarkable. 

One of the favorite tricks of the Red Fox, when 
pursued by dogs, is to cross over thin ice, just strong 
enough to bear the animal, but too frail for the dogs. 
The creature seems to know that the dogs will break 
through and perhaps be swept under the ice if the 
water is of sufficient depth and the current strong 
enough. 

71 





Hounds do not worry a Red Fox. When he finds that there are 
hounds on his track, he just trots along leisurely and plans all kinds 
of schemes to throw them off the scent. He will occasionally go 
back in his own footsteps for a distance, and then jump away to one 
side and go off in a new direction. Or he will run along the top of 
a rail fence or stone wall. 

A Red Fox very seldom takes to earth when being pursued, 
except when wounded or tired out by a long run. 

The Nos. 2, 2^, 3 or 3>Vi traps may be used. 

For bait, the tainted flesh of Muskrat, Woodchuck, Opossum, 
Skunk or House Cat, may be used. A good scent is Fish Oil. The 
sexual organs of the female, taken when "in heat," and preserved 
in a pint of alcohol, make a very attractive scent. The urine of 
the Fox is also good, but in using the latter two scents, no bait 
should be used. 

A good scent may be made by mixing (in a bottle or jar) the fat 
of two Skunk, chopped fine, with the flesh of a Muskrat, cut up into 
small pieces. Allow to stand in a warm place until thoroughly 
decayed; then add the scent of two Skunk and the Musk of 
about four or five Muskrats. 

When setting traps for Foxes, great care should be exercised to 
avoid leaving human odor; clean gloves should be worn, and the 
surroundings should be left looking as much as possible undisturbed. 
It is best to have a basket or blanket in which to place the dirt 
while making a set, and to carry away what is not needed. When a 
Fox is caught, kill it without drawing blood and set the trap back 
in the same place. This will increase the chances for catching 
another Fox. 

There are many ways of trapping Foxes, but the following are 
among the best, and if carried out carefully will bring success. 

Find an old stump and dig a hole under it. Place a piece of 
scented bait in the hole and set a trap about ten to twelve inches in 
front of it. Put a piece of clean paper over the trap and cover lightly 
with dirt dug out of the hole. Fasten the trap to a clog or drag, 
which carefully conceal. 

Locate a small knoll or an old decayed stump. Set a trap on top 
and cover carefully. Place the carcass of a Skunk, Muskrat or 
Woodchuck at a distance from the trap, about six or eight feet. The 
Fox is very suspicious of a bait and will get on the highest point to 
look at it. It is a good idea to set the trap several days before placing 
the bait, thus giving the human odors a chance to pass away. 

72 



Find a narrow place in an old road in the woods, a path, or an 
old stock trail, over which a Fox travels, dig out a shallow hole and 
line with dry grass and weeds. Set a trap in the hole and fasten to a 
drag. Lay a piece of clean paper over the trap and cover lightly 
with dirt, making it look as natural as possible. The chain and the 
drag must also be hidden. 

Select a spring or small pond about four feet in diameter, one 
that has an outlet, place a piece of sod (about ten inches across) in 
the center of the spring and so that it will rise about two or three 
inches above the water. Put a piece of bait and a little scent on the 
sod. Then set a trap, under water, halfway between the sod and the 
shore, and cover with mud or whatever is on the bottom of the 
spring. Place upon the pan of the trap a piece of sod as light as 
possible, so that it will rise about an inch above the water. The 
Fox in reaching for the bait will step on the sod and into the trap. 
This set should be prepared a couple of months before the trapping 
season and the bait and trap set when the season opens. In making 
this set, the trapper should wade up the outlet of the spring and must 
not touch the bank or any of the surroundings. 

A good winter set, particularly for use in the North, is to make 
a cone-shaped mound of snow, on a frozen lake, beating the snow 
solid, so that it will not drift away. Fasten the trap to a clog and 
bury the clog in the mound. The mound should be about two feet 
high and a hollow made in the top, lined with some dry material, 
and a trap set therein. Place a piece of clean white paper on the 
trap and cover with loose snow. This snow should not be handled 
with the hands, or it will freeze on the trap. Cut a piece of bait 
into small pieces and stick into the side of the mound. 

Another method is to find where Foxes travel across a field or 
on an old road. Break a trail in the snow by walking back and forth 
on the road or across the field and set several traps in this trail with- 
out bait. The traps should be covered with a piece of clean white 
paper and a little snow. The chain and clog should be pushed 
under the snow beside the trail. Be careful in setting and do not 
leave any tracks outside of the trail. When looking at the traps, 
follow the trail and step over the traps. 

Red Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. 



'SHUBERT" says: 

"NO USE ADVERTISING, UNLESS YOU CAN 
BACK UP WHAT YOU ADVERTISE. THAT'S 
WHY WE KEEP ON ADVERTISING." 

73 



CROSS FOX 

DeSCfivtiOTl Color varies greatly, from a light red, scantily 
mixed with grey and black hairs to a darker red, 
very liberally interspersed with grey and black, 
especially on the rump. All examples have a black 
or very dark red band across the shoulders and 
another along the back. Belly and legs are black, 
tail bushy, varying in color according to color of 
body, tip white. 

RCLtlQG Same as Red Fox, but no further south than 
Michigan and Wisconsin, in western states 
as far south as Nevada, Utah and Colorado. 

The Cross Fox is merely a color variety of the 
Red Fox. The foregoing remarks about Red Fox 
regarding habits, characteristics, difference in quali- 
ty of Fur, trapping methods, etc., apply equally to 
the Cross Fox. 

However, the Fur of the Cross Fox is more 
valuable than that of the Red Fox. 

Cross Fox should be skinned "cased" and 
shipped Fur side out. 




"SHUBERT" says: 

'TRUE ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE RAW 
FUR BUSINESS FOLLOWS ONLY UPON 
HONEST AND CONSCIENTIOUS EN- 
DEAVOR AND CLOSE APPLICATION TO 
THE INTEREST OF FUR SHIPPERS." 

IF YOU WANT AN ACCURATE AND 
LIBERAL ASSORTMENT, THE HIGHEST 
MARKET PRICES AND SPEEDY RETURNS, 
"SHUBERT" CAN GUARANTEE YOU GEN- 
UINE SATISFACTION. 



74 




.,-" 




SILVER FOX 



r A 



SILVER FOX 



DcSCriptiOtl Color black, interspersed with silver-grey hairs, 

underfur dark drab, belly generally black, sometimes 

a spot of white is found, tail thick and bushy, tip white. Some 

examples have more, while other less of the silver-grey hairs. Those 

that have but few or no silver-grey hairs, are called "Black Fox." 

RQtlQC Alaska, Canada, Newfoundland, extreme northern United 
states, also high altitudes of western states. 

The Silver Fox is the scarcest of the Fox family, and 
its Fur is of greater value than any of the others. The 
black variety (Black Fox), outside of Sea Otter, is the 
most valuable of the North American Fur-bearers. 

On account of the great value of each individual 
skin, this variety of Fox is being raised in some parts of 
Canada, especially eastern. However, the farm skins 
have not the lustre and fineness of Fur possessed by the 
wild animal, consequently, do not command as high a 
price. 

Like the Cross Fox, the Silver Fox is merely a color 
variety of the Red Fox, and the remarks about Red 
Fox regarding habits, characteristics, trapping methods, 
etc., apply equally to the Silver Fox. 

Silver Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
Fur side out. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"A MAN WITH GRIT AND PRIDE NEVER 
DID GROW CROOKED. DISHONESTY IS 
A WEAKLING'S COMPROMISE WITH REAL 
ENDEAVOR. IT IS A COWARD'S CONFES- 
SION OF HIS OWN INEFFICIENCY." 



77 



GREY FOX 



DcSCfivtiOtl General color grey, the back being covered with long 
hair of two colors, black and white, underfur is dark 
drab or blue, throat white, chest and sides reddish, belly 
white, tail long and silvery, same color as the back, 
much coarser than the tail of the Red Fox, reddish 
underneath, tip black. 

IxCLtXQC Entire United States, also British Columbia. 

The Grey Fox is more dependent on the forests 
than the Red Fox, and is very rarely found in a culti- 
vated country, not for the reason that it hates civiliza- 
tion, because the Grey Fox is gifted with much natural 
trickery and is sly and cunning, but it lacks the amazing 
shrewdness and wiliness of the Red Fox, and is more 
easily outwitted by the trapper. 

The Grey Fox is smaller than the Red Fox and not as 
bold and fearless, but equal to the Red Fox in speed 
and endurance. 

They seldom live in burrows, preferring to make 
their dens in hollow trees and old stumps. Sometimes 
they like to sleep in the open air and lie hidden among 
the bushes and undergrowth. 

They eat insects, reptiles, rabbits, mice, fish, birds and almost 
every small creature that lives in the forests. 

The same baits, scents and trapping methods may be used for 
the Grey Fox as suggested for the Red Fox. 

Grey Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. 

KITT FOX 

DeSCrivtlOtl Smallest of all Foxes, general color yellowish-grey 
above, darker on the back, mixed with 
longer whitish hairs, under parts white, sides light yellow, 
tail full, yellowish-grey with longer black hairs, tip 
black, black patch on each side of muzzle. 
p Western plains and northward to southern dis- 

" tricts of Canada. 
The Kitt Fox is a much smaller animal than any of 
the other Foxes. Its range is restricted entirely to the 
western plains. 

It lives in burrows in open parts of the plains and at 
a distance from the wooded country. 

It is very fleet of foot and is sometimes called "Swift 
Fox." Kitt Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
Fur side out. 

79 






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WHITE FOX 



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mm"n 



WHITE FOX 



Description C° lor Pure white, ears and muzzle shorter and less 
pointed than Red Fox, black nose, underfur varies 
from ashy to a light drab. 

Range A * aska ' Newfoundland, Labrador and extreme northern parts 
of Canada. 

The White Fox is not a lover of solitude, but is fond of company 
and lives in a community of twenty or more burrows adjoining 
each other, dug in places where the soil is light and sandy. Here 
the White Fox lives from year to year, and brings forth its young, 
from three to five at a time. 

It eats lemmings, White Weasel, hare, mice, wild fowl, eggs, 
etc. In the summer the White Fox lives in luxury, food is plenty 
and hunting is an easy matter, but the little animal, though it lacks 
some of the wily shrewdness of the Red Fox, is a very intelligent 
creature. It realizes that the summer will soon be over and that 
the lemmings will be safely hidden in their dens beneath ice and 
snow, and the birds all driven south before the cold. The White 
Fox knows that it must make provisions for the long winter with its 
wild snows, screeching gales and intense, bitter cold, so it hunts 
diligently while game is yet abundant, and brings back the fat 
lemmings and mice to be packed away in cold-storage for the winter. 
It burrows down through the light soil until it reaches a temperature 
just above freezing. (In the land of the White Fox the frost never 
wholly leaves the ground.) Here it deposits a dozen or more fat 
lemmings and mice, then it covers them up with grass, 
roots, moss, sods and light soil. The White Fox estab- 
lishes a number of these caches and when the summer 
is at an end and the hour of need arrives, the question 
of food gives the White Fox no anxiety. 

The White Fox is very neat and clean, both in the 
care of its burrow and its Fur. 

Although the White Fox is a crafty little animal, 
it is not as sly as the Red Fox, and is not as clever 
in avoiding traps. 

The No. 2 trap is about the right size. 

For bait, lemming, hare, ptarmigan, etc., may be 
used. 

A good set for White Fox is to make a cone-shaped 
mound of snow, beating the snow solid, so that it will 
not drift away. Fasten the trap to a clog and bury 
the clog in the mound. Make a hollow in the top of 

81 



the mound, and line with paper. Set a trap in the hollow, place 
a piece of clean white paper on the trap and cover with loose snow. 
This snow should not be handled with the hands or it will freeze 
on the trap. A piece of bait should be cut into small pieces and 
scattered on the sides of the mound. 

Another good set is to find a bare point, jutting out into a lake 
or pond, or a clump of bush-growth where the White Fox are known 
to travel. Pack the snow down a couple of inches, making a small 
hollow, line it with a piece of paper, and set a trap therein, place 
another piece of paper over the trap and then dust snow over it 
until the trap is covered lightly. The trap should be fastened 
to a stick about three or four feet in length. A trench the 
length of the stick and about a foot deep is cut in the snow, the 
stick laid in, covered with snow and packed hard. A piece of bait 
should be chopped up and scattered around, beginning some distance 
from the trap and leading to the trap. 

White Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. 



BLUE FOX 



Dp^CTllltiotl ^ ame form and size as White Fox, color is slate drab 
or darkish purple. 

RatlO 2. x ^ as ^ a ' Newfoundland, Labrador and extreme northern 
Canada. 

The Blue Fox is merely a color variety of the W T hite 
Fox. Some persons, and even some naturalists, 
wrongly suppose that the Blue Fox is the same animal 
as the White Fox, and that a Blue Fox turns white in 
the winter. This is not true. The Blue Fox does not 
turn white in the winter, but always remains a Blue 
Fox. 

The form, size, pelt, food, mode of living, habits, etc., 
of the Blue Fox, are exactly the same as the White 
Fox, the only difference being the color — the Blue Fox 
being merely a color variety of the White Fox. 

The same bait, trapping methods, etc., may be 
used for the Blue Fox as are suggested for the White 
Fox. 

Blue Fox should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
Fur side out. 





82 



BBMHOH^BI 






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LYNX 



* 






Description Bod y resembles a huge cat, flat 
face, ears not very long, tufted 
with long black hair, large legs and feet, hind 
legs longer than front legs, sharp retractible 
claws, very short tail. General color reddish- 
brown, liberally intermixed with long silvery 
hairs. Upper part of underfur reddish-brown, 
with a ground of drab blue. Under parts white 
with faint dark spots appearing, tail tipped with 
black, face surrounded by fringe of long, coarse 
hair, black at base and white at tip. 
RcinQe Throughout northern and western United 
States, Canada, Newfoundland and Alaska. 
In the north, the Lynx is found in the dark forests in tangled 
thickets and along the edges of swamps, while in the west, it lives 
in the wooded districts of the mountains. It climbs trees with great 
facility and swims well, but it is not swift on land. It will rob the 
nests of birds and squirrels, or stretch itself along a lower branch of 
a tree, from which it will pounce on whatever may pass beneath. 

The principal food of the Lynx is rabbit, but it is very fond of 
partridge and Marten. That is the reason why Marten are scarce 
when Lynx are plentiful and vice versa. 

The Lynx breeds once a year and as a rule has two young at a birth. 
The Lynx is a stupid animal and is not difficult to 
trap. Rabbit or partridge is the best bait, and for scent, 
nothing is better than Beaver Castor, it being particularly 
attractive to the Lynx. 

The Nos. 3 and 4 traps are best for Lynx and should be 
fastened to a stout clog. 

A good Lynx set is to build a pen of stakes about three 
feet high. Place a bait inside scented with Beaver Castor, 
and set a trap in the entrance of the pen. The pen must 
be roofed with branches, etc., to protect the trap from 
snow. 

Another method is to make a long pen, open at both 
ends, about three feet high. Set a trap inside. Put some 
Beaver Castor on a stick and place in the passage. 

Lynx should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur 
side out. 

85 








OTTEB: 










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K- 



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OTTER 




DeSCTiptiOtl Lon S' heavy body, short legs, small, 
webbed feet, long tail, tapering to a 
point, almost as thick at base as the body. Color 
varies considerably in different districts, from light 
chestnut brown to rich dark brown, almost black, 
fine, soft underfur of a grayish color. 

Range All over North America and Newfoundland. 

The Otter is an aquatic animal, living in and near 
streams and lakes. Its home is usually a den be- 
neath the bank with the entrance under water. 
However, the Otter also lives at the bottom of 
hollow trees or a burrow high up in the bank. The animal is a 
beautiful swimmer and a good traveler. It makes regular journeys 
from one stream or pond to another, and usually follows the center 
of the stream. When traveling overland, it follows the smoothest 
course it can find, preferring to go around stumps and under logs 
rather than climb over them. Its legs are so short and its body so 
long and heavy that it drags along the ground, and in the winter 
time leaves a deep furrow in the snow. 

The principal food of the Otter is fish, trout and 
horned-pout being the favorite. They also eat frogs, 
clams and Muskrat, and will catch wild ducks on the 
water, seizing them from beneath. They catch 
their fish by swimming them down, and frequently 
when fish are abundant, the Otter will kill more than 
it can eat. 

The young are born about the middle of April, and 
there are from two to four in a litter. 

Otter are affectionate and fond of each other. They 
do not spend their entire time in fishing and traveling, 
but like to roll around on the grass and claw up the 
sod. A favorite pastime of theirs seems to be "sliding." 
Where the bank is steep enough and slanting, they 
make a roundabout path leading up to the top of the 
bank, and from there they slide down into the water. 
In places where the water does not freeze during the 
winter, they slide down the snow banks, taking advan- 
tage of the crust formed by the water dripping from 

87 





their Fur and freezing on the snow. When travelling overland and 
there is snow on the ground, the Otter slides down any slope it 
comes to. 

The Otter does not hibernate, but travels under the ice in the 
winter. 

The best bait for Otter is fish. However, if fish cannot be 
obtained, a piece of Muskrat or rabbit flesh may be used. As a 
scent for Otter, there is nothing better than Beaver Castor. 

The Nos. 3 and 3% traps are the proper sizes for Otter. 

When setting traps for Otter, care should be taken to leave no 
human scent around. When traps are set on the bank it is best to 
stand in the water and dash water over the set when it is completed. 
Everything should be left as natural as possible. The trap should 
be fastened to a "sliding pole," but if the water is not deep enough 
to drown the animal a clog should be used. As two or three Otter 
usually travel together, it is well to make several sets not far apart. 

A good place to set a trap for Otter is at the top of a slide. Make 
a small cavity in the ground, line it with leaves and moss, set a trap 
and cover lightly. 

Another good place is where the animal lands on the bank to go 
up to the slide. Set a trap under a couple of inches of water. 

Find a place where the bank slants a little. Set a trap in the 
water at the edge of the bank and stick up a few sticks behind and at 
the sides of the trap. Put a piece of Beaver Castor on a stick in 
the back of the pen. 

If you can find an old Beaver dam in the vicinity, make a break 
in the center of it so that the water will flow through. Set a trap 
in the water at the upper end of the opening. Drive a few stakes on 
each side of the trap so as to make a passageway over the trap. 

Often an Otter will land on a log projecting into the water. If 
such a log can be found, cut a notch for a trap so it will be about 
two inches under water. Smear the notch with mud and set a trap 
in it. Put a piece of Beaver Castor or some Anise Oil on a stick 
and set upright on the log above the trap. 

Where banks are low and the animals do not have slides, find 
where they travel from one pond to another or along streams. Set 
a trap in the trail and cover lightly. 

If you find a path in the snow where Otter travel, that is a good 
place to set a trap. 

In the winter when streams are frozen, traps may be set under 
ice. Find a place where the water is about ten to twelve inches 



;/ 



deep where Otter travel under the ice. Cut a hole through the ice 
and make a pen of sticks in the water. Fasten a fish to a stick in 
the back of the pen. Set a trap in the entrance and fasten to a 
stake. Drive the stake in front of the pen and directly in front 
of the trap. 

Sometimes an Otter is caught that has a curl to the top of its 
guard hair. This is known as a "singed" Otter, and is caused by 
the Fur being dried too quickly by the sun when the animal comes 
out of the water. This defect lessens the value of the Fur con- 
siderably. 

Otter should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. The 
tail should be ripped open its entire length on the underside. 

SEA OTTER 

DcSCfivtiOtl Much larger than land Otter, thick set body, short 
legs, webbed feet, small forefeet, large hind feet, 
long tail, tapering to a point. General color dark 
brown verging into black. Rich, soft underfill- of a 
bluish color, covered with slightly longer hairs of dark 
brown interspersed with white hairs. 

RcLTLQ Q. Aleutian Islands, western shore of Alaska, down 
along the coast of Vancouver Island and 
northern shores of Pacific Ocean. 

The Sea Otter lives in the sea and very rarely, if 
ever, comes on land. 

Their food consists entirely of clams, mussels, crabs 
and fish. 

They are not prolific, only one being born at a 
time. The mother sleeps in the water on her back, with 
her young clasped between her forepaws. The pup 
cannot live without its mother. 

The Sea Otter is not trapped, but is shot, or taken 
in large nets sunk deep in the ocean. 

The Fur of the Sea Otter is the most valuable of 
any of the North American Fur-bearers. 

Sea Otter should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
Fur side out. The tail should be ripped open its entire 
length on the underside. 

89 






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BEAK 






BLACK BEAR 



DcSCtivtiOTl Color black, rich brown or blue 
ground, darker from some districts, 
nose and lower half of face brown, short tail. 

RcitXQ Q. Alaska, Canada, Newfoundland, all over the 
United States, except the prairie districts, 
occurring in South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, 
Texas, west and northwest. 

The Black Bear is the smallest and most 
numerous of North iVmerican Bears. It is a good 
natured animal of a quiet disposition, timorous 
and inoffensive. However, that does not mean 
that a Black Bear will not fight when attacked or 
wounded. It is a dangerous antagonist when 
aroused and will put up a plucky fight. 

The Black Bear is a hibernating animal. The 
time for denning up varies in the different sections, 
but is generally between November 1st and January 1st. They 
emerge in the spring, from April to the middle of May. They make 
their dens in any place that offers fair protection, a hole in the rocks, 
a hollow log or some other natural retreat. They will also den up 

in a hole in the ground, 
which they dig them- 
selves, or under the trunk 
of a fallen tree. 

The young are born 
during the latter part of 
January and February, 
and sometimes as late as 
March. There are from 
one to four at a birth, 
most commonly three. 

The Black Bear is 
omnivorous, which 
means that it eats flesh 
and vegetables alike. 
They feed on field mice, 
frogs, toads, insects, ants, 
bees, blueberries, goose- 
berries, huckleberries, 
and other wild fruit, 





91 



honey, fish, carrion, etc. However, the diet depends largely upon 
the locality in which they live. They are also very fond of young 
pig, and will break into a pig pen at night. 

The Black Bear loves the water and will not remain long in a 
locality where it cannot have a bath daily. 

The best bait for Bear is fish, pork or honey. However, a good 
sized chunk of beef, or any kind of flesh makes good bait. A good 
scent for Bear is a mixture of Fish Oil, Anise Oil and honey. Beaver 
Castor is also attractive to the Bear. 

The Nos. 5, 15, 50 and 150 traps should be used for Black Bear. 

Construct a three-quarter circular pen (about three feet high), of 
poles driven into the ground, and cover well with brush, etc. Set 
a trap in the entrance and fasten to a heavy clog, a large log of 
about eight or ten feet in length. Cover the trap and clog carefully 
with moss, dry leaves, etc. Place a bait inside the pen beyond the 
trap in such a position that the Bear will have to pass over the trap 
in order to reach the bait. It is a good idea to lay a stick across the 
mouth of the pen, about five or six inches high and close to the jaws 
of the trap, so that in stepping over the stick the Bear will put his 
foot in the trap. 

A "blind set" may be used successfully for Bear. Find a Bear 
trail, dig a shallow excavation, place the trap therein and fasten to 
a heavy clog. Cover the trap and clog carefully. However, you 
must make sure that no person will travel on the trail. 

Black Bear should be skinned "open" and the head, feet and 
claws left on. 

BROWN BEAR 

Also called "Cinnamon Bear." 

The Brown or Cinnamon Bear is merely a color variety of the 
Black Bear, being identical in size, habits and inhabiting the same 
districts. The only difference is the color, which is a dark chestnut 
or cinnamon. 

GRIZZLY BEAR 

DGSCfivtiOtl larger than Black Bear, color varies from light 
brown, tipped with silver-grey hairs, to a dark 
chocolate brown, lighter beneath. 

RCLfigG Rocky Mountains and Alaska. 

The Grizzly Bear is very scarce in the United States, being found 
in largest numbers in the Bitter Root Mountains of Idaho, and in 
British Columbia. It is a great, rough brute, and exceeds all others 

92 



in ferocity and strength. At the present day, the Grizzly Bear keeps 
well out of the way of man and very rarely attacks, except in self- 
defense or when excited by wounds. Then it becomes a terrible 
antagonist, striking out with its powerful paws and often dealing 
death in this manner. 

Unlike the Black Bear, the Grizzly does not climb trees, but it 
is by far a more industrious animal and an expert fisherman. 

The Grizzly Bear hibernates, usually denning up sometime after 
November 1st, the time depending upon the weather. In warmer 
sections they den up later, and in the colder regions earlier. They 
come out of their dens in May, generally the latter part. The 
Grizzly Bear is more particular than the Black Bear in providing 
itself with a den and having it weatherproof and well hidden. The 
Grizzly usually finds some natural cave or hole in the rocks, high 
up in the mountains. This it lines with grass and dry leaves, and 
fills up all openings with stones so as to protect the interior from the 
weather as much as possible. 

The young are born the latter part of January and usually two 
in number. 

The diet of the Grizzly Bear depends upon the food available in 
the locality in which it lives. It will eat almost anything, both 
flesh and vegetable, mice, gophers, ants, berries, grass, fish, carrion, 
etc. The Grizzly Bear has one characteristic which is not possessed 
by the Black Bear. It will cache what food it cannot eat and will 
return to feed on it until it is all consumed. 

Like the Black Bear, the Grizzly also bathes, especially in hot 
weather, but it is not as fond of the water as the Black Bear. 

Not many Grizzly Bears are trapped, because of their scarcity. 
However, the same bait and methods can be used as for the Black 
Bear, but the trap should be larger, a No. 6 being about the right 
size. The clog to which the trap is fastened should also be larger 
and heavier, a log of about fifteen feet should be used. 

Grizzly Bear should be skinned "open" and the head, feet and 
claws left on. 



KADIAK BEAR 

DeSCtiptiOtl Even larger than the Grizzly, color dark brown. 

RatigC Kadiak Island and Alaskan Peninsula. 

This Bear is found only in Alaska and the adjacent islands, and 
is the largest of all American Bears. 

93 



■4 





,": 






POLAR BEAR 



POLAR BEAR 

Description Entirely white at all seasons, some specimens slightly 
tinged with yellowish, nose and eyes black, tail short. 

RCLYIQC A- rc tic Circle of Canada and Alaska and extreme northern 
regions. 

The Polar Bear ranges along the beaches of the northern seas. 

Its hunting grounds are on the coasts of islands surrounded by drift 
ice and even on ice-fields far out at sea. 

It is a powerful swimmer. 

Polar Bear do not hibernate. However, the females retire to 
caverns in the snow or the beds of rocks for a considerable time to 
bring forth their young, which are usually two in number. 

The principal food of the Polar Bear is seal, fish and young 
walrus, but they also eat seaweed and salt grass. 

Polar Bear are not trapped. Those that reach the market are 
in most cases shot by explorers. Although of great size and strength, 
the Polar Bear is comparatively easy to kill, and usually flees when 
wounded. The female, however, is very courageous in defence of 
her young, and quite determined in her efforts to secure food for them, 
not even hesitating to attack a man. 

Polar Bear should be skinned "open" and the head, feet and 
claws left on. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"AN OUNCE OF PROOF IS WORTH A TON 
OF ARGUMENT." 

A TRIAL SHIPMENT TO "SHUBERT" 
PROVES MORE THAN A PAGE OF PRINT. 

CONVINCE YOURSELF. GIVE "SHUBERT" 
A TRIAL. 



95 




JLI IN .A- v^jttlX 



Cs 



€s 



fs 



► 8 



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♦> 



LYNX CAT 





DcSCVivtlOtl -Legs rather long, ears tufted with 
black hairs, shorter than the tufts 
of Lynx. Color varies greatly in different sec- 
tions, from yellowish-brown, freely interspersed 
with silvery hairs, to a rich grey-brown, some ex- 
amples are spotted on the back, while others are 
plain like the Lynx. Longer, white hair on the 
belly, marked with large black spots. Tail very 
short, color at the base same as back, black towards 
tip, extreme tip white, with white or pale yellow 
hair underneath whole length of tail. 

RdtlOQ. R° c ky Mountain States to British Columbia e 

and westward, also Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan 
and eastern Canada. 

In general appearance the Lynx Cat resembles the Lynx, but it 
is smaller in size. 

The Lynx Cat is a peaceful and shy animal, but possesses con- 
siderable strength, and when attacked will fight ferociously, both 
with teeth and claws. 

It is carnivorous, feeding principally on rabbits, squirrel, mice, 
grouse, partridge, etc. 

It is not skilled at following a trail and procures 
most of its food by lying hidden in ambush and spring- 
ing out suddenly on whatever small game may come 
within its reach. 

It is an expert tree climber and makes its den in a 
hollow tree or in caverns among the rocks. Although 
preferring the twilight or darkness for roaming about, 
it delights in basking in the warm sunshine, stretched 
along the branch of a tree or curled up in the sunlight 
of some little covert among the rocks. 

For bait any one of its natural foods may be used. 
The Nos. 2 or 3 traps are about the right sizes. 
The best place to set traps is at the entrance to the 
den. However, if a den cannot be found, make a pen 
of sticks and place a bait, rabbit, grouse or partridge, in 
the back of the pen. Set a trap at the entrance. The 
trap should be fastened to a clog and both trap and 
clog carefully hidden. Lynx Cat should be skinned 
"cased" and shipped Fur side out. 
97 





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WILD CAT 



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WILD CAT 






DQSCViptiOtI Exactly the same in appearance as 

the Lynx Cat, color varies greatly, 

but as a rule, darker and redder than Lynx Cat, 

with but few or no silvery hairs, some examples 

dark grey, Fur is shorter and flat. 

RcitXQC Entire United States, also British Columbia. 

The Wild Cat is exactly the same 
in appearance, habits, modes of liv- 
ing, etc., as the Lynx Cat. How- 
ever, the Fur of the Wild Cat is 
shorter and coarser than that of the Lynx Cat, and of 
considerable less value. Where Wild Cat inhabit a 
cultivated district, they frequently raid the farmer's 
hen-roost, being fond of poultry, and if they live in 
the vicinity of sheep pastures, they easily kill and eat 
lambs, and will sometimes even pull down old sheep. 
In many states bounties are paid for the capture of 
this animal. 

The same bait, trapping methods, etc., may be 
used for the Wild Cat as suggested for the Lynx 
Cat. 

Wild Cat should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
flesh side out. 




HOUSE CAT 

This common domestic animal is too well known to require 
a description. However, it is mentioned here, so that the trapper 
would know that its skin has a market value. 

House Cat should be skinned "cased" and shipped flesh side out. 



'SHUBERT" says: 

"THE RECOLLECTION OF PROMPT RE- 
TURNS AND SQUARE DEALING REMAINS 
LONG AFTER THE FUR SEASON IS OVER." 

99 












RINGTAIL CAT 

Description Slender bt >dy, color, yellowish-brown, turn- 
ing to black above, belly very light yellow, 
long, full tail ringed with black and white. 

Range Texas > New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon 
and Washington. 

The Ringtail Cat is a pretty little creature with its 
slender body and handsome ringed tail. 

It is nocturnal in its habits and is very seldom seen 
during the day. 

It lives among rocks and trees and prefers to inhabit woods 
traversed by a water course. 

It feeds on the small creatures of the forest, insects, 
reptiles, mice, birds, etc., and makes its nest in decayed 
holes and the trunks of trees. 

It brings forth three to four young at a time. 

For bait, any one of its natural foods may be used. 

The No. 1 trap is about the right size. 

Hollow logs, under roots of trees, old decayed stumps, 
the banks of streams that they frequent, etc., are good 
places to set traps for the Ringtail Cat. 

Ringtail Cat should be skinned "cased" and shipped 
Fur side out. 




"SHUBERT" says: 

"SENDING EACH AND EVERY SHIPPER 
SATISFACTORY AND PROFITABLE RE- 
TURNS IS MORE CONVINCING THAN ANY 
ORAL ARGUMENT." 



101 



MARTEN 



DcSCtivtiOtX -^out the s i ze °f a house cat, short legs, 

small feet, pointed, short ears, white in- tw w k 
side, thick bushy tail. General color varies from yellow- 
ish brown to rich dark brown, lighter beneath, soft under- 
fur of drab, with light tawny or orange-brown patch on 
throat. «Wi\ 

RotlOC Mountainous districts of Western and North- k 
western States, forests of Northern States, Canada, 
Alaska and Newfoundland. 

The Marten is a carnivorous animal, feeding on mice, 
rabbits, squirrels, birds and their eggs. They are expert tree 
climbers and are found only in thickly wooded districts, living 
among the trees and making their nests in holes high up in some old 
tree, but in the mountainous districts they usually make their 
homes in hollows in the rocks. They also live in burrows. 

The young are born in the spring, three to seven in a litter. 
It is not a strictly nocturnal animal, but is often seen during the day. 
The Marten is not suspicious and is easily trapped, the No. 1 
and No. 1^2 traps are best. 

For bait, squirrel, small birds, and rabbits can be used. The 
head of a partridge with feathers is very good. 

A good Marten set is to build a small pen of sticks against a 
tree, so that the tree forms the back of the pen. Place a piece of 
bait inside and set a trap in the entrance. It is not necessary to 
cover the trap, as the Marten has no fear of the trap, but it is best 
to roof the pen with a piece of bark or some evergreen boughs to 
protect the trap from snow. The trap may be fastened to a clog. 
In districts where the snow fall is heavy, traps should 
be set several feet above the ground. A very good tree set 
is as follows: Make two cuts in a tree with an axe and 
drive in two wooden pegs. Set the trap on the pegs and 
nail a piece of bait to the tree about a foot above the trap. 
Fasten the trap to the trunk of the tree. 

Another good method is to cut down a small tree several 
feet above the ground, cut the top of the stump V-shape 
and lay the tree on the stump in the V so that the butt will 
extend about two to three feet. Split the butt of the tree 
and place a bait in the split. Cut a notch in the tree about 
a foot from the end and set a trap in this notch. Fasten the 
trap to the tree. 

Marten should be skinned"cased"and shipped Fur side out. 
103 



•• 



•£ *£ *? ^T 



•v 



FISHER 



DeSCViptlOn Lar S er th an the Marten, short, thick 

head, short ears, long, bushy taihtaper- , d M , 
ing to a point. General color dark brown, lighter ^ A 
toward the head, becoming grizzly grey, under parts % jj 
darker than back, tail dark brown or almost black. 
Ratige Western, Northwestern and Northern States, 
Canada, Alaska and Newfoundland. 
Fisher are found in largest numbers where the 
country is rugged and fairly well timbered. They are »▼ A: 
good climbers and very agile and can jump from tree %JH§ 
to tree like a squirrel. Although very active in the 
tree tops, they are equally at home on the ground and 
are so untiring and long-winded that they have been 
known to run down rabbits and hares in open chase. They are 
great travelers, covering immense distances in a single night and 
usually travel a regular route. 

They are nocturnal in their habits, sleeping during the day in 
hollow trees or logs. 

The principal food of the Fisher is rabbits, mice, squirrel, fish, 
partridges, and it will eat Marten, Mink, etc., out of traps. It is 
also fond of beech-nuts and wild berries. 

The young are born once a year, two to four at a birth. 

The Fisher is a very wild animal and has no particular fear of 

man in the wilderness ; in fact, it often follows the trail of the trapper, 

eating or tearing to pieces any Marten or Mink that may be caught, 

or dragging traps out of the snow to spring them. It is a powerful 

animal considering its size, and is hard to hold in a trap, 

struggling as long as alive. 

The No. 13^2 or No. 2 traps are the right sizes and 
should be fastened to a "spring pole" or a "balance pole" 
where possible, or to a heavy clog. 

For bait, rabbit, partridge, fish, squirrel, etc., are 
good, while a good scent can be made by mixing Anise 
Oil, Asafetida and Muskrat musk with Fish Oil. 

A good Fisher set is a pen made of stakes, about two 
feet high and about two feet long. Place a piece of bait 
on a stick in the back of the pen, set a trap in the entrance 
and cover lightly. It is well to roof the pen to protect the 
trap from the snow. 

A hollow log or any other natural enclosure make good 
places to set traps for Fisher. Fisher should be skinned 
"cased" and shipped Fur side out. 



105 



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RIVERINE 



■■ ■ 




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» 



WOLVERINE 



j f 



1 1 
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DeSCfivtiOtl Heavy, bear-like body, broad, 
rounded head, sturdy, muscular 
legs, large feet, large, white claws, short, bushy 
tail. General color blackish, or deep dusky- 
brown, becoming grey and grizzly on neck and 
head, dark brown on snout and around eyes, legs 
very dark brown, feet black, a broad band of 
yellowish hue, beginning behind the shoulders, 
running along the sides and joining on the rump 
and base of tail. The under part is dark brown, on 
the throat and between the forelegs there are 
several irregular patches of a yellowish-white color. 
RCLtlQQ. Alaska, Canada and extreme northern United 

States, also in the high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains. 
The Wolverine is a typical animal of the north. It is found only 
in the north woods and in the timbered districts of the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and not in large numbers in any one district. It is a strong, 
vicious and cunning brute, and is the greatest plague that the 
trapper of the north knows. 

Its home is a burrow, and here the female brings forth her young 
once a year, from three to five at a birth. Perhaps the only good 
side to the character of the Wolverine is the affection the female 
has for her young, and her fearless and ferocious attacks on any 
man or beast that threatens their safety. 

The Wolverine does not hibernate, but is about at all seasons. 

It is a carnivorous animal and feeds on insects, 
reptiles, rabbits, mice, lemmings and some of the 
smaller Fur-bearers. It is a fairly good climber, and 
game hung in a tree is not safe when a Wolverine is 
around. 

The Wolverine is a great wanderer and will travel 
from twenty to thirty miles in each direction from its 
home den. It is not fleet, however, and a man can 
outrun it. It is a good swimmer. 

The Wolverine is also known under various other 

names — Carcajou, Mountain Devil and Skunk-Bear. 

It is a voracious animal and can never capture 

enough game to satisfy its perpetual greed, therefore, 

it seeks out and robs the caches of other animals. 

107 




No amount of careful hiding can conceal a cache from a Wolverine. 
It seems to possess a diabolical ingenuity in searching out buried 
treasures of meat. Its large stomach makes it possible for it to 
eat more than most animals of its size, and if anything is left after 
the Wolverine has stuffed itself, it will bury what remains and in 
order to protect it from being stolen, the Wolverine so defiles the 
snow about its cache, scenting it with its foul odors, that no other 
animal, no matter how hungry, will touch it. 

The Wolverine also has the habit of following a trap line, robbing 
the traps of their bait and of the captured animals. For this reason 
it is thoroughly hated by the trapper of the north. Once the Wolver- 
ine has found a trap line, it will follow the trail to the end, springing 
the traps, stealing the bait and taking out every animal that has 
been caught. If the animal is not dead, the Wolverine kills it and 
pulls it out of the trap; if dead and frozen, the animal is violently 
jerked until the trapped leg is torn off the body. The Wolverine 
will eat all it can, and what it cannot eat, it will carry some distance, 
dig a hole in the snow and cache the dead animal at the bottom. 
Then replaces the snow in the hole, tramps it down and neatly 
smooths over the surface, after which it defiles the snow over the 
cache and goes its way. By these signs a trapper can tell where 
to dig for his stolen Furs. 

Sometimes the Wolverine will enter a trapper's cabin, during his 
absence. Then it is in its glory. It rips open every sack and parcel, 
scatters flour, coffee, sugar, tobacco, matches, bacon, soap, etc., in 
one confused mass upon the cabin floor, and wallows in it all with the 
greatest joy. At last what it cannot carry away, it defiles to the 
utmost and departs. 

When a Wolverine finds a trapper's line, it is either give up the 
line for a time, or catch the Wolverine. However, trapping this 
animal is no easy matter for it is slyer than a Fox and very wary. 

A No. 4 trap should be used. It must be well concealed and 
fastened to a heavy clog, "spring pole" or a "balance pole." 

A rabbit, squirrel, muskrat, a piece of goat or any kind of flesh 
is excellent bait. Beaver Castor is very attractive to the Wolverine 
and is the best scent for this animal. 

One way of trapping this sly and wary creature is to hang a large 
piece of venison or other meat in a tree. Set traps around the tree 
carefully concealed in the snow, fastened to a heavy clog and the 
clog must also be hidden well. Do not disturb the surroundings any 
more than is absolutely necessary. 

Another method is to place a rabbit in a trap and set traps all 
around. Be sure to cover the traps well and fasten to heavy clogs. 

If the trapper's efforts at trapping this animal fail, a good portion 
of strychnine placed in the bait of one of the traps on the line 
will undoubtedly do the work. 

Wolverine should be skinned "cased" and shipped Fur side out. 

108 




L. L. LAMMA, COALSPUR, ALTA, CANADA. 
A Fine Collection of Lynx and Foxes 



'SHUBERT" says: 

"A FUR SHIPPER WILL REALIZE 'MORE 
MONEY' FOR HIS FURS BY SHIPPING TO 
A RELIABLE AND HONORABLE INSTITU- 
TION WHOSE ORGANIZATION HAS STOOD 
THE 'ACID TEST' FOR SERVICE." 

WE EMPHASIZE RELIABLE AND HONOR- 
ABLE, AS SURELY THESE TWO PHASES 
OF MERCHANDISING DO NOT RECEIVE 
THE ATTENTION THEY ARE ENTITLED 
TO— BY THE MAN WHO ENDURES HARD- 
SHIPS AND WORKS LIKE A DEMON TO 
GATHER HIS COLLECTION OF FURS. 



109 





BADGER 






Ui 



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BADGER 



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Description Tllick set > fl at body, small head, short 
feet, very large, strong claws, on 
fore feet, short tail, general color light yellowish- 
grey. The under-fur is soft and of a light brown 
color, covered with longer black and white hairs, 
white at the tip, under part is dirty white or light 
brown, a white mark or line on the head, com- 
mencing at the nose, running down between the 
ears to the nape, sides of face and throat white, 
black patch in front of each ear. Legs and feet 
black. Fur very long at the sides and shorter on 
on the back. 

Rdnge Western United States, also some parts of 
western Canada. 

The Badger is a clumsy animal. It is an expert digger and lives 
in deep, wide-mouthed burrows of its own digging. Besides the main 
burrow, the animal has several others nearby. 

The Badger is naturally timid, but if cornered, fights desperately. 
When alarmed, the Badger prefers lying quietly in the grass to 
trying to run away. It will flatten itself down close to the ground 
and will try to escape being seen in that manner. 

The Badger is very seldom ever seen during the day. It hiber- 
nates during the cold weather. 

Their food is any carrion, preferring fresh meat, gophers, field 
mice, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, beetles, grasshoppers, snakes, etc. 
The young are born once a year, there being- 
three or four in a litter. 

For good Badger bait, fresh meat of any kind, 
prairie dog, gopher, etc., may be used. 

The No. 3 trap is the proper size. 

The best set for Badger is at the entrance 
to the main burrow. Dig a shallow hole, place 
trap therein and cover lightly. As the animal 
possesses considerable strength for its size, the 
trap should be fastened in such a manner so that 
the animal cannot escape. 

Badger should be skinned "open." 
Ill 




»:: 



& 



* 








MOUNTAIN LION 

Description General color, light duii- 

brown, darker on the back, 
under parts dirty white, long tail, tip very 
dark brown or blackish. 

RCLYIQC Rocky Mountains and westward, also 
to north of the Canadian line. 
Although many blood-curdling tales have 
been told of the daring of the Mountain Lion 
and of its attacks upon human beings, those 
familiar with the nature and habits of the 
animal, all agree in branding the Mountain 
Lion, or Cougar, as it is sometimes called, as 
a coward. Like all other wild beasts of this 
country, the Mountain Lion has learned 
through bitter experience that the only chance 

of life is to keep out of the way of man. However, this fear of man 

is its only fear, and when it comes to fighting on anything like equal 

terms, the Mountain Lion is far from being a coward, especially when 

* wounded, it becomes a very 

dangerous adversary. 

It is a very good climber 
and readily takes to a tree 
when pursued by dogs. 

The Mountain Lion 
preys on almost all wild 
animals. Deer and Moun- 
tain Goat are its principal 
food, but it will also kill and 
eat wild foul, rabbits and 
other small beasts. In many 
parts of the west, they are 
very destructive to stock, 
killing sheep, pigs, calves 
and colts, and when pressed 
by hunger, a big male 
Mountain Lion will kill a 
full-grown horse or cow. 

113 





Their method of securing game is by sneaking about until 
the game is sighted, then creeping stealthily to within springing 
distance of it and at last pouncing upon it with one swift, 
silent dart, or, by lying on an over hanging branch of a tree or ledge 
of rock and springing directly down upon its unsuspecting victim 
when it passes beneath. 

The Mountain Lion makes its lair in a crevice between cliffs, a 
cave in the rocks, etc., usually retiring to a place inaccessible to man. 
Here it brings forth its young in the spring, from two to five in 
number. 

They are nocturnal in their habits and rarely appear during the 
daytime. 

But few Mountain Lions are trapped, in fact, there is no method 
known by which this animal can really be successfully trapped. 
They never remain long in one particular place and prefer to kill 
game for their food. As a rule, they do not return for a second meal 
to the carcass of an animal they have killed, except when food is 
scarce. However, if a freshly killed animal is found, it is well to set 
several traps around it, and in case the Mountain Lion should return 
to the carcass, it may be caught in one of the traps. 

The No. 4^2 trap should be used and fastened to a heavy clog, 
both trap and clog carefully hidden, for the Mountain Lion is sus- 
picious and cautious, and if it finds that the carcass has been visited 
and the surroundings disturbed, it will not come near enough to be 
caught. 

The customary way of hunting the Mountain Lion is to trail it 
with dogs and shoot the animal when the dogs drive it to a tree. 
That is the way most Mountain Lion are killed. 

Mountain Lion should be skinned "open" and the head, feet and 
claws left on. 



"SHUBERT'says: 

"THERE IS NO MORE SATISFACTION IN 
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A FUR SHIPPER 
THAN CHEATING AT A GAME OF 
SOLITAIRE." 



in 



MISTAKES MADE BY 
FUR SHIPPERS 

Every year, who are not judicious in choosing a reliable Fur house, 
aggregate millions of dollars during the Raw Fur season. The glare 
of large returns often blinds ordinarily good judgment. A trapper 
will work hard and endure many hardships to accumulate a collection 
of Furs, then he will pack 'em up and send the shipment to some 
unseasoned Fur house that he did not hear of until he received their 
quote-any-old-price-pay-what-they -please circular. After he receives 
his returns, he becomes absolutely disgusted and wishes that he had 
only used a little more care in choosing his Fur house. Shippers 
should exercise great precaution when choosing a Fur house, as 
disappointment and dissatisfaction are sure to follow if, you are not 
judicious. There are many reliable and responsible institutions in 
our industry, and a Fur shipper does not have to take any chances. 
"THE SHUBERT GUARANTEE" means absolute protection for 
the shipper. READ IT on page 30 of this book. 



"SHUBERT" says: 

"BEING SAFE, BEATS BEING SORRY." 
JUST ONE MORE REASON WHY YOU 
SHOULD SHIP YOUR FURS TO SHUBERT. 



115 



GINSENG 



Ginseng is a plant, the root of which is highly valued by the 
Chinese and used by them for almost every imaginable domestic 
and medicinal use. They especially prize the forked roots having 
some resemblance to the human form. 

The plant has a natural range from Maine to Minnesota, and 
southward to Arkansas and Georgia. It has a single stem which 
grows from ten to twenty inches tall, which divides into three or four 
branches, each bearing five nearly smooth leaves, rising from one 
point, the three end leaves being the larger. In the summer it bears 
a cluster of small yellowish flowers on a small stem branching from 
the top, which develop into red, generally two-seeded, berries. 

The root is of a light yellowish color, about the size of a man's 
finger and varying in length from two to four inches. It has a 
mucilaginous, sweetish, slightly bitter and aromatic taste. 

The root is dug in about September, and should be carefully 
handled so that it will not be broken, or the outer bark peeled off. 
It should not be allowed to soak in water for any length of time and 
should not be scrubbed, but carefully washed in a tub of water until 
clean, then thoroughly dried until it becomes hard. 

On account of the high market value of wild ginseng, the cultiva- 
tion of the plant began, in an experimental way, some twenty years 
ago and at the present time, it is carried on, on a very large scale. 
The Chinese prefer the root of the wild plant to that of the cultivated. 
A small quantity of Ginseng is consumed by the Chinese of North 
America, but the main outlet for this article is Korea and China. 

The plant thrives best in well-drained, loose loam soil. It should 
be well shaded, and for this purpose a frame-work of laths about 
one-half inch apart and about six feet high should be built over and 
around the beds. The cracks should run north and south, thus giving 
the plants the benefit of constantly changing light and shade. 

In planting Ginseng beds, it is well to start with both young 
roots and seeds. They may be planted in the fall or early spring. 
It requires about eighteen months for the seeds to germinate. Young 
plants may be set out in beds about six inches apart. The beds 
should at all times be kept free from weeds and grass, and in the 
fall should be mulched with forest leaves or manure. When the 
plants are two years old, they may be placed in the permanent beds. 

The root does not attain full growth until five or six years old 
and should not be dug for market before that age. 

117 



GOLDEN SEAL 



Golden Seal is a perennial root, with a short, yellow rootstock, 
which sends up, in the early spring, a hairy stem about a foot high, 
around the base of which are two or three yellowish scales. The 
stem has two leaves and a single, small greenish-white flower appears 
on a short branch, which seems to be a continuation of the stem 
above the upper leaf. This flower is followed by a head of bright 
red berries, resembling a large raspberry. The leaves are prominently 
veined and have five to nine broad, unequally-toothed lobes. 

The root is of a bright yellow color and is not over two inches 
in length and about three-fourths of an inch in thickness. 

Its natural range is from southern New York and Ontario, west 
to Minnesota and south to Missouri and Georgia. It thrives best 
in open woodlands, where there is ample shade, good natural drain- 
age, and an abundance of leaf mold. 

The root was commonly used by Indians and early settlers as a 
remedy for inflamed eyes, canker mouth, and as a bitter tonic in 
stomach and liver troubles. At the present day, it is in strong 
demand by manufacturing pharmacists all over the world, but the 

greater quantity is 
consumed in this 
country. 

It should be dug 
in September or early 
October, carefully 
washed and thor- 
oughly dried. 

Golden Seal is 
being successfully 
cultivated at the 
present day. The 
soil in which the root 
*s grown should be well fertilized by the use of decaying vege- 
table matter, rotting forest leaves and thoroughly rotted stable 
manure worked into the ground to a depth of about eight inches. 
The beds may be made in a grove, second-growth timber, or in 
gardens. If the beds are made in gardens, artificial shade must be 
provided, which can be done by building a frame-work, of laths, 
about one-half inch apart, and about six feet high, over and around 
the beds. The laths should run north and south, thus giving the 
plants the benefit of constantly changing light and shade. The best 

118 




IP™ 




way of starting the bed is by cutting apart the rootstock, taking 
care that a few good roots are secured with each bud, and planting 
about four inches apart, covered with about two inches of soil. 
The beds should be kept free from weeds and grass at all times, and 
in the fall should be mulched with leaves, bean vines, or other matter 
not containing weed seeds. 

The root may be dug for market after its third year. 

TIPS ON GUN CLEANING 

Always clean your rifle immediately after using, especially a .22 
calibre, on account of its small bore. 

Always clean your rifle from the breech to avoid wearing away 
the bore at the muzzle. 

Clean your rifle with small pieces of cloth. Moisten a piece of 
cloth with some good gun oil and pass through the barrel, then follow 
with a dry cloth. Repeat this process until a dry cloth comes through 
without being soiled. 

To clean high power rifles, use a brass bristle brush soaked with 
gun oil. 

For shotguns it is advisable to use a good brass gun cleaner, well 
moistened with gun oil. 

Oil all actions in shotguns and rifles after cleaning. 

SHIPPING TAGS 

To attach the right tag to your shipment is of vital importance to 
you. To obtain full market value and every penny your Furs are 
worth — to get your returns quickly — your shipment must be tagged 
with a 

"SHUBERT TAG ENVELOPE" 

For your convenience, "SHUBERT" addresses the tag for you. 
When you are ready to ship, you don't have to go to the trouble of 
filling out a tag — all you have to do is to attach a "SHUBERT 
TAG ENVELOPE" to your shipment. Be sure to list the contents 
of your shipment on an INSIDE TAG and place inside of your 
shipment. 

When you run out of tags or change your address, advise us 
immediately and we will gladly send you another supply. Never 
be without "SHUBERT TAG ENVELOPES" and "SHUBERT 
IDENTIFICATION TAGS." They are ABSOLUTELY FREE 
and we will send as many as you want. Don't hesitate to ask 

for them. 

119 



HERE'S PROOF 

That Canadian Shippers will receive " more money " for their 
Raw Furs by shipping them to "SHUBERT," Chicago, U.S.A. 



CL £ 



0O<~1^< 



*^<<^& / f*JL*\* 




Zf-*7 ****** Gm4£~> «m^. 



KENNETH JOHNSON, RYLEY, ALTA, CANADA 
A Canadian "Satisfied Shubert Shipper" 

THERE IS NO DUTY ON RAW FURS COMING INTO 
CHICAGO, U. S. A., FROM ANY PART O F CANADA 

"SHUBERT" receives hundreds of thousands of shipments from 

Canada every season. Canadians, ship your 

Furs to "SHUBERT." 



121 



LET OUR SHIPPERS SPEAK 
FOR OUR SERVICE 

The best testimonial to the manner in which the House of A. B. 
SHUBERT, INC., takes care of its shippers comes from our shippers 
— that endless chain of good words from those who do business with 
us. We built the foundation for the House of A. B. SHUBERT, 
INC. Our immense following of "SATISFIED SHUBERT 
SHIPPERS" laid the cornerstone in confidence. We saw the 
practical possibility of direct co-operation with Fur shippers through 
the medium — "Cfje ££>f)Ubert ££>f)ipper." Without the co- 
operation and confidence of Fur shippers, the House of A. B. 
SHUBERT, INC., could not stand. We would be fools and not 
business men — if we, on our part, would do anything to betray that 
confidence and destroy the House that took a lifetime to build. 



READ THESE REMARKABLE UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS AND 
LET THEM GUIDE YOU IN SHIPPING YOUR RAW FURS: 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Pincher Creek, Alta., Canada, November 21st, 1916. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

Will you please send me this year's price list. I have not been shipping because 
I have not had anything to go by. There are hundreds of rats out west this year 
and nobody is catching any. There are only three and they have all shipped to you 
last year and were satisfied with your prices, and are going to ship to you this year. 
I hope to catch two hundred rats and expect to ship them all to you. 

Yours truly, 

HUGH TAYLOR. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Bannock, Sask., Canada, January 5th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 

My dear Mr. Shubert: — 

I have something to say about "SHUBERT." In my trapping career I have 
shipped to many Fur Companies, but of all the Companies I have ever shipped to, 
I never received a more just deal than I have of "SHUBERT." A great many firms 
will give you a big price for the first shipment, but will cut you all to pieces on the 
next, which, of course, will be the big shipment. The first I heard of "SHUBERT" 
was while trapping in the Olympics in Washington. Having had good luck with 
Fishers and Marten I decided to ship to "SHUBERT." Having caught two Fishers, 
one hair slip and the other rubbed, I shipped the two to "SHUBERT," holding the 
good ones for the next, if "SHUBERT" was square. From "SHUBERT" I received 
the following: 1 Large Fisher rubbed $12.00, 1 Medium Fisher hair slip in back of 
neck $3.50 

My own decision was they would bring $5.00, the two of them. The next ship- 
ment was also from Lake Cushman and before I shipped them I set my price on them 
and received 333^2% more then I expected. Just one more thing I have to say before 
closing, is my wish; every trapper in the U. S., Canada and Alaska give "SHUBERT" 
a shipment and I will guarantee he will get as good a price for the last as he will for 
the first. Give "SHUBERT" a shipment and you will never ship elsewhere. 

Yours respectfully, 

WILLIAM A. BRANSON. 
P. S. — I am not bragging, simply speaking the plain truth. 

122 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Shoal Lake, Man., Canada, January 8th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I have recommended your company to some of my friends. As for myself, I 
have always been satisfied with the returns I got from you. I also found I could 
get more from you than any other company I have tried in Canada. 

Yours very truly, 
IVAN McFADYEN. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Tignish, P. E. I., Canada. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I wish to thank you for the last amount which I received on my shipment of 
Furs. Mr. Shubert, I assure you that for your prompt attention, square and honest 
dealing, along with best prices, you shall in future receive every shipment of Furs that 
I may have to dispose of. I must truly say that I am more than satisfied with the 
deal. Now, Mr. Shubert, as I have had such good returns and satisfaction, I shall 
with pleasure endeavor to make it known throughout this province. 

Yours truly, 
RICHARD MOSHER. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., East Lansing, Michigan, April 4th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

Received your check yesterday and must say that I am well pleased with your 
market. I have shipped once before and was satisfied. The last lot that I shipped 
to you, I received $7.47 for it, and had offered it for sale in our city, before sending it 
to you, and was offered $2.25 for the same lot, so you can see that by shipping to you 
we are getting a lot more and can say that you will get all we have for sale next winter. 

Yours truly, 
FRED SMITH. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., New Bloomfield, Missouri, January 9th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I have found you to be the best Fur House I ever shipped to. I believe you 
try to do the square thing with your shippers. I told several of my friends about 
you last winter, and they have been sending their Furs to you and they all say 
that they found you to be the best Fur House to ship to they ever tried. I was 
the first one to send Furs to you from my neighborhood, but now almost all my 
friends say they are shipping to you. I told a friend the other day about you, and 
he says he is going to ship to you. His name is — — , so you can expect 

a shipment from him soon. You may use this letter any way you see fit. 

Yours truly, 

WILLIAM CRISWELL. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Woronoco, Massachusetts, January 3rd, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

I am going to send you a small shipment tomorrow. I wish to thank you for 
the good returns you sent me on last shipment. Now, sometime ago I made up two 
shipments of Furs. I had them exactly alike, as near as I could, and I sent one to 

you and one to — , Indiana, and if you will look these return sheets 

over you will see how I came out. You can see how bad he stung me. Now, all the 
Furs I get will go to "SHUBERT." 

Now, that I have learned where te send my Furs, I wdl send you more than 1 
have and as long as you do well by me I will buy some Furs and send you. Now, I 
am very sorry that I did not send the Furs to you that I sent to — . 

They will never get no more Furs from me. 

Yours truly, 

EUGENE LINDSEY. 

123 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Bonita, Arizona, February 6th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

I am sending you another small shipment of Furs. I would have sent two 
bundles but I had only one tag, so I had to lay my other Furs back for another ship- 
ment, as soon as I can get some more tags from you. I am sending you in this shipment 
1 Coyote, 4 Fox, 5 Skunk, % Badgers. 

I am writing this letter on my Return list from you for my last shipment of Furs. 
I have no kick coming. I see that your motto is to "Live and Let Live." A good 
many trappers have already quit trapping in this country and said they would never 

get another trap for the benefit of Fur Houses. I have talked 

to several trappers here lately and they told me that from now on they would ship 
all their Furs to you. I think that by next season you will get all the Furs that are 
caught in this community. I am sending you another trapper's name. I met him 
at the post office last week. I told him about A. B. SHUBERT, Inc. Fur House. 
He then asked me if I had any extra tags from you, but I had only one tag and I 
needed it myself. He told me then to write to you to send him some tags also and he 
would not ship any until he heard from you. Well I will try to get off several 
bundles in my next shipment. 

Very truly yours, 

H. GENSCH. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Pagoda, Colorado, April 4th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

Just a few lines to thank you for your fairness and good prices this past winter. 
The first time I made a shipment last winter was to a firm in Wyoming, which quoted 
much higher prices than "SHUBERT," but the checks they sent were not anything 
to brag about. "SHUBERT" is the first that ever graded any of my Furs extra 
large, of which I received seven dollars each for Coyotes. If I ship next winter, 
which I intend to, A. B. SHUBERT will get my Furs. 

Yours for honesty, 

H. M. HENDRICKS. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Berwick, North Dakota, January 3rd, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I have been regularly receiving your price lists and as I am not trapping this 
year, I hand "THE SHUBERT SHIPPER" on to some one who can use it. I know 
after they have sent you a trial shipment that they will appreciate what I have done 
for them. However, I appreciate your price lists, as they afford me great pleasure 
in showing them to others and pointing out the advantages of shipping to your Fur 
House. I think you can safely put me down as one of the thousands of "SATIS- 
FIED SHUBERT SHIPPERS." Yours very truly, 

RICHARD KUHUHEUR. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Lucas, Kansas, April 3rd, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sir.: — 

I received my check the other day. It was all 0. K. You treated me just fine 
all through the Fur season. Could not expect any more. I have shipped to Fur 

Houses in , and , and I made up my mind that 

I was going to try "SHUBERT" and was very glad I did, because I got a third more 
from "SHUBERT" than I did from the other houses. I have quit trapping and 
buying Furs this year, but don't forget me next year, because I am going to ship to 
"SHUBERT" as long as I have any Furs to ship. 

Yours for business, 

C. W. McMILLEN. 

124 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Sharpsburg, Maryland, February 6th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I was well pleased with the returns fo my other shipment which was made 
January 13th, 1917, and I will make two more shipments, one this month and one 
in March. 

Hoping to receive "THE SHUBERT SHIPPER" each month, I remain 

Yours for business, 
CHARLES S. LUMM. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Byron, Illinois, March 26th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

I just received my check for the Skunk. I was well pleased with the square 
deal you gave me. I also was pleased with the returns for the Skunk I asked you 
to hold separate. I want to thank you for your fairness in that instance. 

Thanking you for your fairness and high prices, good grading, I remain, "A 
SATISFIED SHUBERT SHIPPER" 

LEROY MARMON. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., River Falls, Wisconsin, February 16th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — 

I just today received "THE SHUBERT SHIPPER" and was more than pleased 
to get it. I sent you some Furs some time ago. The prices I got for the little bundle 
sure was grand. When I get some Furs they sure get to A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 
for you pay what is quoted on your price list. Don't forget to send a price list 
again, for I will close for this time. I remain as always. "SHUBERT" is the 
place to ship. 

Thanking you again for the returns I got from you. Such a little bundle and 
such a big price. Yours truly, 

HERMAN STRIEBEL. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Crowell, Texas, January 25th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Kind Sir: — 

I received the returns on my Furs that I shipped to you and was really surprised 
when I seen the check, as it was so much more money for the amount of Pelts than I 
have ever got from any of the other Fur Houses. You are the only man that has 
treated me square and I thank you very much for the same. I am praising you to 
every trapper in this section and they say they sure are going to ship to A. B. SHU- 
BERT. Yours respectfully, 

CARL FARR. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Garland, Utah, December 8th, 1916. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I received the money for my Furs, and was very pleased with the amount I 
received for them, and I can say now that I am a well "SATISFIED SHUBERT 
SHIPPER." I have a few more hides ready for the market and they are going to 
"SHUBERT." I am going into the business fast and I am having good luck. 

Yours for success, 
CLIFTON GROVER. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Red Cloud, Nebraska, January 19th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I was very much surprised at the returns of my recent shipment. I want to 
thank you for your promptness in disposing of my Furs. I would not have requested 
that they be held separate except that the old saying is that if you ship to a firm the 
second time you will not get the full value of a person's shipment. This has been 
the case with several of my shipments before I heard of A. B. SHUBERT. 
Thanking you for your promptness, I remain Yours truly, 

JOHN BLOOM. 

125 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Remington, Indiana, January 9th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I never had a company treat me any better than "SHUBERT" has and when 
I have any more Furs to sell, "SHUBERT" will get them all. 

Yours very truly, 
HOMER KINSELL. 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Long Lake, S. Dak. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear A. B. Shubert: — 

I will send you a photo. Please use it as it will help you more. I must say 
that this is the best company of Furs in the World, and so long as this company 
will take my Furs I will not ship to any one else. 

Yours very truly, 

SCHMITT BROS. 




SCHMITT BROS., LONG LAKE, SOUTH DAKOTA 

A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Lorimor, Iowa, January 4th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I am always pleased to receive "THE SHUBERT SHIPPER." It is like a 
letter from home. You can rest assured that my shipments will be sent with a 
"SHUBERT TAG." Yours respectfully, 

GEORGE NEISWANGER. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., Island Falls, Maine, January 17th, 1917. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

Received the pay for the Furs and was certainly surprised and very pleased 
with what I got. A friend of mine was some surprised too when he saw what I got. 

Yours truly, 

CECIL N. WALKER. 

126 



Hardin, Montana, January 19th, 1917. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sirs: — 

I received my check this morning and was well pleased with your liberal grading 
and you can rest assured that I will hereafter ship to you and will do all I can to send 
business your way. Little I thought when I seen your ad in this paper, but I 

decided to try you. The first shipment I sent only to compare returns with a- 

firm. The Furs I sent you were far below the ones sent to 

- , but your returns more than doubled the returns received from them Sev- 
eral of the amateur trappers have been asking about you. I will now tell them to 
send to you if they want good returns. Yours for business, 

J. L.VlCKERS. 
A. B. 



New York Mills, Minnesota, January 31st, 191' 



SHUBERT, Inc.. 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Gentlemen: — ■ 

Received your check No. 162192 a few days ago for my Furs, got more than I 
expected. The prices you gave me were grand, the best I ever got from any Fur 
House. I find that it surely pays to deal with "SHUBERT." 

Yours very trulv, 
WALTER KARVONEN. 



Oakland, Oregon, December 2nd, 1916. 



A. B. SHUBERT, Inc., 

Chicago, Illinois. 
Dear Sir and Friend: — 

t^J^T,^ "™ E SHUBERT SHIPPER" and was glad to hear from "SHU- 

U-bKl I have a small shipment I will ship you soon. Several of shippers 

ask me for "SHUBERT" Shipping Tags that I am always ready to give when I 
have them. I like to see every trapper get all his Furs are worth and the only way to 
get that is to ship to A. B. SHUBERT, who has always paid me all my Furs were 
worth and a little more than any other House pays. "SHUBERT" pays what he 
quotes and quotes what he pays. If anybody doubts this, refer them to G. C. 
Gross, who will gladly answer any inquiries. Very truly yours, 

G. C.' GROSS. 
HERE'S MORE PROOF THAT "SHUBERT" SATISFIES FUR SHIPPERS 




B. R. MADDUX AND D. W. McCRAY, GUERNEVILLE, CALIFORNIA 

127 



RATHBUN-GRANT COMPANY. CHICAGO 



mSSF 0F C0NGRESS 

002 891 431 3^ 




